X-Message-Number: 13660 Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 22:13:09 -0400 From: mgdarwin <> Subject: Mass Murders There seems to be the notion that mass homicides are commonplace and likely to break out all over the USA if medical costs get prohibitive, or some large group of people gets in a bad mood. I've tried pointing out privately that such acts of violence are rare and that they are typically comitted by a certain personality subtype. Hopefully the following FACTS will clear the air. Article written by Ford Fessenden, in the New York Times (Sunday, April 9, 2000) www.nytimes.com They were 102 Mass murders over the last 25 years (Political, gang, domestic & serial murders excluded) (425 murdered - 510 wounded) This represents 0.1% of all US murders Note that the per capita rate is pretty constant across the world 63 made threats before they acted (54 specific to mode or victims) They are not impulsive or sudden... they are premeditated murderers The timing is impulsive. Occured in: 31 suburan area 25 small town 42 urban Comparing to regular (US)murders (if there could be such a thing) They are older 43% under 30 yo (60% typical murder population) 46% 30-50 yo (32% typ. murd.) 11% over 50 yo (7% ) More educated 8% had no high school (57% typ. murd.) 33% high school ed. (26%) 24% had some college ed. (13%) 35% had a degree (1%) 52% have been in the military (30% typical murders) They get captured 100% (76%) 89% don't even bother leaving the scene The race distribution matches more closely US population 71% were white (36%) 19% were black (50%) 2% were hispanic (11%) 8% other (2%) They were unemployed 57% were unemployed (26%) They are day killers 81% of the killing were before 6 pm (43%) THEY ARE SUICIDAL (suicide by cop) 33% Committd suicide (3%) Interesting article that disparages some myths and goes some ways into understanding the mass murderers. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=13660