60 females were murdered by males in Virginia in 1999
The homicide rate among females murdered by males in Virginia was 1.71 per 100,000 in 1999
Ranked 14th in the United States
Age
Six female homicide victims (11 percent) were less than 18 years old, and 7 victims (12 percent) were 65 years of age or older. The average age was 38 years old.
Race
Out of 60 female murder victims, 23 were black and 37 were white.
Most Common Weapons
For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 64 percent of female victims (36 out of 56) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 56 percent (20 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 12 females killed with a knife or other cutting instrument, 1 female killed by a blunt object, and 5 females killed by bodily force.
Victim/Offender Relationship
For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 97 percent of female victims (56 out of 58) were murdered by someone they knew. Two female victims were killed by strangers. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 61 percent (34 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 34 female intimates murdered, 71 percent (24 victims) were killed with guns; 50 percent of these (12 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.
Circumstance
For homicides in which the circumstance could be identified, 94 percent (47 out of 50) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 57 percent (27 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.
