Homicide in Children: a Retrospective Study of Autopsy Population in Maryland (2020 -2022)

Abstract

This research project aims to evaluate and interpret child homicide rates in the State of Maryland between 2020 and 2022, from newborn to 10 years old. The data was collected from the cases examined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This research was conducted by identifying common themes, demographic characteristics, and contextual factors associated with child homicides. The objective of the research is to inform targeted prevention strategies, intervention efforts, and policy initiatives aimed at safeguarding the well-being and safety of vulnerable young children. During the three-year period, there were 37 children homicide cases, of which 11 (29.7%) involved infants less than 1 year of age. The leading cause of death was gunshot wounds (24.3%), followed by multiple injuries (21.6%) and drug intoxication (21.6%). Of the 37 cases, 54% were female victims. African American victims accounted for 70.3%, whereas White individuals represented the 24.3% and the remaining 5.4% were Hispanic. Among the perpetrators, fathers accounted for 16.2%, additionally, in more than 21% of the cases, the perpetrators were unknown. In addition, the study explores the psychological, social, and emotional ramifications of child homicide on families, communities, and society at large, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to address this pressing public health issue. It is important to note that all the cases in this study were preventable deaths. This research endeavor ultimately aims to inform the development of prevention strategies and intervention programs to safeguard the well-being and safety of vulnerable children.