This article reports the findings of an extensive study of nonjustifiable homicides committed by persons age 60 or older in three large American cities. The relationship between victim and assailant (spouse, relative, or acquaintance) and the circumstances surrounding the homicide event, including location, situation leading up to the assault, use of alcohol or drugs by either the victim or assailant immediately before the incident, and mode of assault or weapon used, are described. Analysis of the homicide-suicide phenomenon is also included. Of particular interest is the fact that all homicide-suicide incidents reported involved a suicide by a husband after murder of his wife.
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