69 females were murdered by males in Virginia in 1998
The homicide rate among females murdered by males in Virginia was 1.99 per 100,000 in 1998
Ranked 13th in the United States
Age
Two female homicide victims (3 percent) were less than 18 years old, and 6 victims (9 percent) were 65 years of age or older. The average age was 39 years old.
Race
Out of 69 female murder victims, 1 was Asian, 31 were black, and 37 were white.
Most Common Weapons
For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 56 percent of female victims (37 out of 66) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 57 percent (21 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 10 females killed with knives or other cutting instruments, 2 females killed by a blunt object, and 15 females killed by bodily force.
Victim/Offender Relationship
For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 98 percent of female victims (64 out of 65) were murdered by someone they knew. One female victim was killed by a stranger. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 66 percent (42 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 42 female intimates murdered, 62 percent (26 victims) were killed with guns; 50 percent of these (13 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.
Circumstance
For homicides in which the circumstance could be identified, 95 percent (57 out of 60) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 70 percent (40 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.
