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Time Trends in a Study of 440 Mass Slayings/Rampages Occurring in Public Places

NCJ Number
185059
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2000 Pages: 1028-1030
Author(s)
John J. Mooney M.D.; E. John Orav Ph.D.
Editor(s)
R. E. Gaensslen Ph.D.
Date Published
September 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The authors looked for variations in the timing of mass slayings/rampages (MS/R) committed in public places by solitary perpetrators.
Abstract
News reports on 440 MS/R between 1920 and 1996 yielded 379 onset times that were examined for temporal patterns. Results showed a dramatic increase in the number of MS/R between 1966 and 1995. In addition, the authors observed significant monthly variations, with peaks in July-August and December and a bimodal daily rhythm for MS/R onset with a major peak at 11:00 a.m. and a minor peak at 8:00 p.m. The authors conclude that observed time trends for MS/R may help develop protective programs to reduce stress and violence in public places. 15 references and 2 figures