174 females were murdered by males in Texas in 2000
The homicide rate among females murdered by males in Texas was 1.66 per 100,000 in 2000
Ranked 12th in the United States
Age
Eighteen female homicide victims (11 percent) were less than 18 years old and 17 victims (10 percent) were 65 years of age or older. The average age was 36 years old.
Race
Out of 174 female murder victims, 2 were Asian, 41 were black, 45 were Hispanic, and 86 were white.
Most Common Weapons
For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 51 percent of female victims (85 out of 166) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 69 percent (59 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 25 females killed with knives or other cutting instruments, 20 females killed by a blunt object, and 22 females killed by bodily force.
Victim/Offender Relationship
For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 94 percent of female victims (151 out of 160) were murdered by someone they knew. Nine female victims were killed by a stranger. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 62 percent (93 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 93 female intimates murdered, 66 percent (61 victims) were killed with guns; 67 percent of these (41 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.
Circumstance
For homicides in which the circumstances could be identified, 81 percent (130 out of 160) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 75 percent (98 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.
