Research on background and situational factors relevant to risk indicates that homicidal young people do not differ substantially from other aggressive young people. Background factors include witnessing serious violence, both live and in movies and television shows, as well as abuse, neglect, and deprivation. Such factors can contribute to a morbid identity and a cognitive set that make murder possible in certain situations. Other background factors include learning difficulties and impulse control problems. Situational factors involve environmental stresses, alcohol and substance abuse, and weapon availability. Possible factors to consider in predicting which young people are most likely to commit murder encompass threats, anger control, and cognitive factors. Factors related to assessing homicidal risk need to be incorporated in appropriate assessment and management strategies of child and adolescent mental health services. 46 references and 1 figure