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Families, Murder, and Insanity: A Psychiatric Review of Paternal Neonaticide

NCJ Number
124295
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1990) Pages: 133-139
Author(s)
N S Kaye; N M Borenstein; S M Donnelly
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Neonaticide is the killing of a newborn within the first 24 hours of life.
Abstract
Although relatively uncommon, numerous cases of maternal neonaticide have been reported. To date, only two cases of paternal neonaticide have appeared in the literature. The authors review neonaticide and present two new case reports of paternal neonaticide. A psychodynamic explanation of paternal neonaticide is formulated. A new definition for neonaticide, more consistent with biological and psychological determinants, is suggested. 27 references. (Author abstract)