Firearm Suicide in the Home Setting

Abstract

All gunshot deaths determined to be suicide were studied in Wayne County, Michigan, over a three-month period during the summer of 1969. Only gunshot deaths in the home setting were included in the study. Data were gathered by attendance at medical examiner hearings as well as conferences with local police and the prosecuting attorney's office. The obtained sample involved 29 suicides.

The suicide group consisted of persons who were predominantly white, male, and over 45 years of age. Their level of education and employment was fairly good. The suicide group had a fairly high incidence of registered hand guns when used. The suicide group had a high incidence of birth in the state, and those bom elsewhere had lived in the county for a minimum of 3 years.

Limitations of the research method are discussed both in terms of the large number of “unknown” responses as well as the shortsightedness of both police and medical examiner investigations of suicide. It is suggested that public agencies should expand their investigations to provide greater insight and understanding about suicide.