Homicide offenders 32 years later - a Swedish population-based study on recidivism

Abstract

Background: The literature on recidivism by homicide offenders is scarce despite its importance for individuals and for society.

Aims: To establish the rate of seriously violent re-offending among homicide offenders and identify risk factors for such recidivism.

Methods: A 1970s incident cohort of all homicide offenders, sane and insane, from two regions of Sweden (N = 153) was followed up until 2007 using data from the national crime register.

Results: Ten per cent of the cohort (n = 15) re-offended. The mean time from index offence to recidivism was 9.4 years. Five people (3%) committed a further homicide, and it was established that another five (3%) offenders had killed before the index offence. Prospective risk factors for violent recidivism were young age, psychotic disorder, male victim, acquainted victim and intoxicated victim.

Conclusions: The prevalence of repeated homicide is higher than previously reported. Victim variables and mental disorder in conjunction with substance abuse appear to be two domains of particular significance for recidivism.