Citation

Lindqvist P, Leifman A, Eriksson A. Crim. Behav. Ment. Health 2007; 17(2): 107-112.

Affiliation

Divisions of Forensic Psychiatry and Clinical Alcohol & Drug Addiction, Dept of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Dept of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umea University, Sweden

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/cbm.643

PMID

17295201

Abstract

Background: Empirical data on homicide and homicide offenders are needed in the ongoing discussion on violence and crime prevention. One issue, insufficiently investigated, is the post-trial life course of homicide offenders.

Aim: To examine whether the mortality rate, as well as cause and manner of death, of homicide offenders is different from the general population.

Methods: An incidence cohort of Swedish homicide offenders from 1970 to 1980 (n = 153) was re-examined by computerized record linkage with the National Cause-of-Death Register for the period between trial and 1 October 2002, i.e. 22-32 years after the offence. Death certificates were analysed, and standard procedures for calculating Standard Mortality Rate (SMR) and survival analysis were employed.

Results: Half of the study subjects had died by 2002. The overall mortality rate was about three times higher than that of the general population. In particular, the risk of suicide was salient.

Implications: It can be argued that offenders' self-neglect and self-contempt merge with public and professional views, predisposing to an increased risk of premature death.

Language: en