Women who kill are not only predominantly black, but are older than their male counterparts. Incomplete data suggests that black women who kill have below average education and are generally on public assistance, in prostitution, menially employed, or unemployed. Women have generally been known to kill someone they know well. The present study finds that over 60 percent of black women who kill are single or common-law married; more than two-thirds are mothers. Black women who kill have more extensive criminal histories than do their non-black counterparts; most have arrest records. This study confirmed previous research indicating that most female homicide is intersexual and intraracial; 58 percent of black victims had criminal records while 38 percent of non-black victims had records. Over 66 percent of black and non-black women killed family members including legal and common-law spouses, lovers, separated and divorced spouses, children, parents, in-laws, and other relatives. Most homicides are precipitated by the victim, and the killer usually acts alone. Black women most often use guns; alcohol and narcotics are usually used by one or both parties. The author maintains that rather than being part of a subculture of violence, they are part of a subculture of economic and social hopelessness. 7 tables, 5 notes, 46 references. (Author abstract modified)