Citation

Huchzermeier C, Heinzen H. J. Forensic Leg. Med. 2015; 35: 15-18.

Affiliation

Institute of Sexual Medicine & Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, UK-SH, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jflm.2015.06.016

PMID

26344452

Abstract

Neonaticide is a rare form of homicide. It is generally classed as manslaughter but differs from other forms of homicide in many respects. The factors favouring its occurrence and the legal position of neonaticide in Germany are discussed. The case is presented of a mother who committed five neonaticides within 8 years. While she was a caring mother for her two oldest children, she killed the five subsequent offspring immediately after giving birth. In the scarce literature on neonaticides, a case of multiple offending is particularly rare. Similarities to, and differences from, other cases of neonaticide in the literature are considered. The psychodynamic context of the offences is examined in order to identify contributing features which could be used to help prevent future occurrences.

Language: en