Criminal homicide can be divided into four main types: (1) criminal homicide within the family; (2) criminal homicide among friends and acquaintances; (3) criminal homicide among strangers in connection with other offenses such as robbery; and (4) criminal homicide among strangers not connected with other offenses. Males commit criminal homicide much more frequently than females, only about 3 percent of all murderers are mentally ill, and criminal homicide has social-structural and subcultural causes. Further, alcohol and drugs contribute to the incidence of criminal homicide by escalating conflict and reducing inhibitions. Serial murder and mass murder are compared with respect to definitions, patterns, and causes. Criminal careers of serial sex murderers are considered, assassinations are contrasted with other criminal homicides, and the phenomenon of children who kill other children or their parents is discussed. 61 references