53 females were murdered by males in Missouri in 1999
The homicide rate among females murdered by males in Missouri was 1.88 per 100,000 in 1999
Ranked 9th in the United States
Age
Two female homicide victims (4 percent) were less than 18 years old, and 6 victims (12 percent) were 65 years of age or older. The average age was 41 years old.
Race
Out of 53 female murder victims, 26 were black and 27 were white.
Most Common Weapons
For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 57 percent of female victims (30 out of 53) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 90 percent (27 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 7 females killed with a knife or other cutting instrument, 5 females killed by a blunt object, and 10 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 (43 out of 48) were murdered by someone they knew. Five female victims were killed by strangers. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 37 percent (16 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 16 female intimates murdered, 81 percent (13 victims) were killed with guns; 85 percent of these (11 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.
Circumstance
For homicides in which the circumstance could be identified, 73 percent (35 out of 48) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 66 percent (23 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.
