40 females were murdered by males in Mississippi in 2000
The homicide rate among females murdered by males in Mississippi was 2.72 per 100,000 in 2000
Ranked 1st in the United States
Age
Four female homicide victims (11 percent) were less than 18 years old and 1 victim (3 percent) was 65 years of age or older. The average age was 32 years old.
Race
Out of 40 female murder victims, 27 were black and 13 were white.
Most Common Weapons
For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 62 percent of female victims (24 out of 39) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 88 percent (21 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 6 females killed with knives or other cutting instruments, 1 female killed by a blunt object, and 6 females killed by bodily force.
Victim/Offender Relationship
For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 92 percent of female victims (35 out of 38) were murdered by someone they knew. Three female victims were killed by strangers. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 63 percent (22 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 22 female intimates murdered, 68 percent (15 victims) were killed with guns; 87 percent of these (13 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.
Circumstance
For homicides in which the circumstances could be identified, 89 percent (32 out of 36) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 63 percent (20 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.
