100 females were murdered by males in North Carolina in 1998
The homicide rate among females murdered by males in North Carolina was 2.57 per 100,000 in 1998
Ranked 4th in the United States
Age
Eight female homicide victims (8 percent) were less than 18 years old, and 7 victims (7 percent) were 65 years of age or older. The average age was 37 years old.
Race
Out of 100 female murder victims, 4 were American Indian, 51 were black, and 45 were white.
Most Common Weapons
For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 67 percent of female victims (60 out of 67) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 75 percent (45 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 14 females killed with knives or other cutting instruments, 3 females killed by a blunt object, and 11 females killed by bodily force.
Victim/Offender Relationship
For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 91 percent of female victims (89 out of 98) were murdered by someone they knew. Nine female victims were killed by strangers. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 64 percent (57 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 57 female intimates murdered, 70 percent (40 victims) were killed with guns; 73 percent of these (29 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.
Circumstance
For homicides in which the circumstance could be identified, 88 percent (74 out of 84) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 50 percent (37 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.
