171 females were murdered by males in Texas in 1999
The homicide rate among females murdered by males in Texas was 1.68 per 100,000 in 1999
Ranked 15th in the United States
Age
Fifteen female homicide victims (9 percent) were less than 18 years old, and 11 victims (7 percent) were 65 years of age or older. The average age was 36 years old.
Race
Out of 154 female murder victims, 2 were Asian, 49 were black, 38 were Hispanic, and 65 were white.
Most Common Weapons
For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 47 percent of female victims (78 out of 166) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 73 percent (57 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 30 females killed with a knife or other cutting instrument, 14 females killed by a blunt object, and 33 females killed by bodily force.
Victim/Offender Relationship
For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 93 percent of female victims (152 out of 163) were murdered by someone they knew. Eleven female victims were killed by strangers. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 57 percent (87 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 87 female intimates murdered, 61 percent (53 victims) were killed with guns; 66 percent of these (35 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.
Circumstance
For homicides in which the circumstance could be identified, 80 percent (124 out of 155) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 69 percent (86 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.
