Citation

Polk K. J. Crim. Justice 1993; 21(6): 573-582.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0047-2352(93)90044-N

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Through the use of qualitative, case study data for all homicides (N = 121) reported to the Office of the Coroner in Victoria, Australia for 1985 and 1986, observations were made on the role of “stranger killings” in the study of homicide. It was found that when the dynamics of the relationship between the offender and the victim were classified in terms of the nature of the on-going social interaction, there was no need to retain a category of “stranger homicide.” Most of what are classified elsewhere as stranger killings are either events that result from masculine confrontations (which start as fights) or consequences of other crimes (such as armed robbery). It is suggested that what have been considered stranger homicides can be shown to include several different forms of homicide and that, further, some forms of homicide, such as confrontational killings, must be classified as including two types (stranger and nonstranger) if it is necessary to preserve the term “stranger homicide.” Finally, it is suggested that the concept “stranger” itself might divert attention from the actual social dynamics that bring offenders and victims together in scenes where homicides take place.