60 females were murdered by males in Virginia in 2000
The homicide rate among females murdered by males in Virginia was 1.66 per 100,000 in 2000
Ranked 11th in the United States
Age
Three female homicide victims (6 percent) were less than 18 years old and 7 victims (13 percent) were 65 years of age or older. The average age was 41 years old.
Race
Out of 59 female murder victims, 23 were black, and 36 were white.
Most Common Weapons
For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 60 percent of female victims (28 out of 47) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 29 percent (8 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 9 females killed with knives or other cutting instruments, 2 females killed by a blunt object, and 7 females killed by bodily force.
Victim/Offender Relationship
For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 90 percent of female victims (47 out of 52) were murdered by someone they knew. Five female victims were killed by strangers. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 62 percent (29 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 29 female intimates murdered, 66 percent (19 victims) were killed with guns; 21 percent of these (4 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.
Circumstance
For homicides in which the circumstances could be identified, 89 percent (33 out of 37) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 61 percent (20 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.
