The analysis of medical examiner records for 792 homicides in Erie County (New York) from 1972 through 1984 indicate that among the circumstances related to finding alcohol in the victim's blood are: male victim, black victim, victim aged 30-49, warm season, evening or night, stabbing, killing not related to another crime, and bar and restaurant locations. Particularly high probabilities of alcohol in the victim's blood were associated: men killed at night, men killed by women, black male victims, and all killings on Saturday and Sunday nights. One possible reason that a high proportion of black homicide victims have alcohol in their blood is that a relatively high proportion of blacks' homicides arise from personal disputes rather than from connection with other crimes. There is a higher likelihood of alcohol in the victim for homicides that occur during time periods when there are more homicides. 4 tables, 10 references. (Author abstract modified)