Most younger juveniles were murdered by family members
Between 1980 and 2000, offenders in 26% of the murders of juveniles were unknown. In cases in which murderers of juveniles were identified by law enforcement, 38% were family members, 47% acquaintances, and 15% strangers. Adolescents were far less likely to be murdered by family members than were juveniles younger than age12. This pattern is most pronounced for male juveniles.
Percent
of offenders |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Gender and Age |
Family |
Acquaint- ance |
Stranger |
| Males |
32% |
51% |
18% |
| 0–11 |
66 |
29 |
5 |
| 12–17 |
8 |
66 |
26 |
| Females |
50% |
40% |
10% |
| 0–11 |
67 |
28 |
5 |
| 12–17 |
19 |
63 |
18 |
| Totals may not equal 100% because of rounding. | |||
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| Trends in the Murder of Juveniles: 1980–2000 | |