This study is part of a larger, ongoing analysis of more than 2,600 cases of nonjustifiable homicide recorded in the county coroner's office over 1970-83. Homicides by the elderly were disproportionately located in the home and often involved family members, particularly spouses. Offenders were predominantly male, and the ratio of male to female offenders was similar to that for the 15-59 age group. Elderly assailants were five times more likely to kill persons aged 60 or older than were assailants aged 15-59. Data on the alcohol use of elderly assailants was available for only a small portion of the population. Available data indicate that only assailants consumed alcohol generally; whereas, both assailants and victims had consumed alcohol in many of the homicides involving 15-59 year-old offenders. Elderly assailants were neither more nor less likely to use firearms than younger assailants. There was a high percentage of murder-suicides among the elderly. 6 tables.