This work was the beginning of an extensive body of literature focusing on the victim-offender relationship in homicides. Wolfgang and subsequent researchers consistently found that homicides tended to be intraracial, intragender, and occurring overwhelmingly between relatives and friends. However, this body of literature was based largely on data from large cities with very heterogeneous populations and therefore may not be generalizable to smaller American communities. The current research examined all homicides in Delaware County (Muncie, Ind.) that resulted in a conviction for the years 1960 through 1984. Although the demographic characteristics of victims and offenders and their relationships appear consistent with those found in larger cities, noticeable changes were found to have occurred over the 25-year period. (Author abstract)