"Extended suicide". Homicide-suicide under psychopathological and criminological aspects

Homicide-suicide is a rare and serious phenomenon which mainly occurs in intimate relationships and families. In this study ten cases of murder-suicide during the period 2006-2011 in the greater area of Dusseldorf were investigated. Data were obtained from coroner and prosecution files. All perpetrators were male. In accordance with the literature the results of the analysis revealed male sex, higher age, intimate partnership, access to firearms and special personality traits, mainly emotionally unstable, narcissistic traits and aggressiveness as the main risk factors. In all cases, at least three risk factors were identified. Breakdown of the marital relationship and social descent emerged as probable leading motives. Shooting was the most frequent method of killing followed by sharp force. Compared with homicide and suicide, homicide-suicide appears to be a distinct phenomenon. The knowledge and understanding of relevant risk factors could help mental health professionals, police and public authorities to intervene in time.