Homicide in the Canadian Prairies: spousal killers and recidivism.
This prospective study identifies the rate of recidivism in spousal homicide offenders after release from their sentences for homicide and explores factors associated with re-offending. A non-selective sample of 131 released spousal killers was studied, using the CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) to access post-release criminal convictions. The mean follow-up period was ten years, and ranged from eight months to 37 years. Fifty-one offenders (38.9%) re-offended. Violent crimes were committed by 27 (20.6%) offenders. Several factors were associated with recidivism but older age at release was the most significant. Violent recidivism in released spousal killers occurred at the rate of 21%. Ageing was a mitigating factor and should be considered in forensic assessments and given more weight in parole decisions involving any release.
Menzies
Robin P D
RP
University of Saskatchewan Knox Manse, Saskatoon, Canada. bogey@sasktel.net
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D006302:Health Services Research; D006708:Homicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba / Q000453:epidemiology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012525:Saskatchewan / Q000453:epidemiology; D018454:Spouses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends