Male and Female Juveniles Arrested for Murder

Abstract

Murders committed by juveniles remain a serious concern in the United States. Most studies on juvenile homicide offenders (JHOs) have used small samples and have concentrated on male offenders. As a result, little is known about female JHOs and how they differ from their male counterparts on a national level. This study utilized the Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR) database to examine more than 40,000 murders committed by male and female juvenile offenders from 1976 to 2005. This research effort, the most expansive to date, replicated previous findings with respect to gender differences using bivariate and multivariate analyses. As predicted, six variables used to test eight hypotheses with respect to male and female JHOs in single-victim incidents were significant (victim age, victim-offender relationship, murder weapon, offender count, victim gender, and homicide circumstance). Regression analysis revealed that all variables remained significant when entered into the model. This article concludes with a discussion of our findings and directions for future research.

Gender Comparison of Young People Charged With Murder in England and Wales

“…Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being while being of sound mind and with the intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm (Crown Prosecution Service [CPS], 2013). In the United States, Heide et al (2012) adopt the FBI's definition of murder, which is "the wilful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another" (FBI, 2008, cited in Heide et al, 2012. Although the definitions used across studies may differ, similar features are apparent, namely, an individual has been killed, there was intent for the offence to take place, and the offence was committed by another person (Smit, De Jong & Bijleveld, 2012).…”

“…The study by Heide et al (2012) tested eight hypotheses regarding the differences between male and female juveniles arrested for murder in single-victim incidents. They found significant differences in terms of the victim's age, victim's gender, weapon used, relationship between victim and offender, circumstances of the offence, and number of offenders present.…”

“…In an effort to replicate the study of Heide et al (2012), the present study aims to test the following hypotheses:…”

“…However, the present study is not simply about replication, as it compares male and female offenders aged 21 years old and below. In addition, it was not possible to assess exactly the same variables as those in the study by Heide et al (2012). Efforts will also be made to assess which variables can be used to predict the gender of the offender.…”

“…Efforts will also be made to assess which variables can be used to predict the gender of the offender. According to Heide et al (2012), research concerning young females who commit murder is limited, as is research concerning how females differ from males at a national level. The present study marks the first time that these differences will be tested on an English and Welsh sample.…”