41 females were murdered by males in Colorado in 1998
The homicide rate among females murdered by males in Colorado was 2.05 per 100,000 in 1998
Ranked 10th in the United States
Age
Six female homicide victims (15 percent) were less than 18 years old, and 2 victims (5 percent) were 65 years of age or older. The average age was 35 years old.
Race
Out of 41 female murder victims, 1 was American Indian, 4 were black, and 36 were white.
Most Common Weapons
For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 42 percent of female victims (16 out of 38) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 81 percent (13 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 11 females killed with knives or other cutting instruments, 2 females killed by a blunt object, and 9 females killed by bodily force.
Victim/Offender Relationship
For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 95 percent of female victims (38 out of 40) were murdered by someone they knew. Two female victims were killed by strangers. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 53 percent (20 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 20 female intimates murdered, 65 percent (13 victims) were killed with guns; 77 percent of these (10 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.
Circumstance
For homicides in which the circumstance could be identified, 86 percent (31 out of 36) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 58 percent (18 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.
