In 1993, the number of juveniles arrested for murder was the highest in Virginia's history, and most of this growth occurred between 1988 and 1993. During the early 1980's, about 65 percent of juvenile homicides involved a firearm; by 1994, this figure increased to 88 percent. Between 1980 and 1994, Virginia experienced a 232-percent growth in arrests of juveniles for murder and non-negligent manslaughter offenses. The increase in arrests of juveniles for murder occurred despite a decade-long decrease in the number of juveniles between 15 and 24 years of age. Population forecasts indicate that this age group will grow more than 86 percent through the year 2010 and that Virginia may experience an unprecedented future increase in the number of juveniles arrested for homicide. Arrest, victim, and incident demographics associated with juvenile homicide are examined in detail, and trends that can be extracted from the data are discussed. Available information on the sentencing of juveniles convicted of murder and non-negligent manslaughter and on the circumstances and motives of juvenile homicide is reviewed. Recommendations for further research to explore the association between juvenile homicide and the link between violence and drugs are offered. Appendixes present further data on juveniles arrested for murder by Virginia locality, Virginia's metropolitan statistical areas, and Uniform Crime Reporting on homicide and contain Code of Virginia provisions dealing with juvenile remand, trial, and indictment. Tables and figures