In reference to motives for homicides question

[BehindBlueI's]

Back in the early 90's Gary Kleck had great chapter in Point Blank that debunked waiting periods and the idea that "normal" people commit homicides "in the heat of passion." What he found was the typical murderer was far from normal and had long history of regular disregard for human life.

If waiting periods affect anything (and I'm not saying they do, we don't have one so how would I compare?), I'd venture to say it's suicides. I haven't kept stats because I don't care that much, but the only murder I can think of with a new gun was a voluntary murder/suicide (the "murdered" person also left a suicide note, the murdered person was terminally ill and the couple decided to punch out together). I can think of several suicides with newly purchased guns, and a hand full with rental guns, ie go to the range and pop yourself. Every once in while we'll have some one bring their own shell, ask to see a shotgun at a department store or gun shop, and then quickly load it and pop themselves. One guy actually asked the clerk "Do you have a shotgun that holds this shell?" first. Eh, sorry, wandering afield. Point is outside of child abuse murders, it rarely seems to be heat of passion. Suicides seem to be more spur of the moment more often.

[John Hearne]

If waiting periods affect anything (and I'm not saying they do, we don't have one so how would I compare?), I'd venture to say it's suicides.

IIRC, Kleck addressed that as well. Eliminating one ready method of suicide makes suicidal people choose another method. The world is a dangerous place full of dangerous things, we simply can't eliminate them all.

[Hambo]

I only recall one suicide by gun in which the dude bought the gun specifically to kill himself. No waiting period because it was a long gun, but he took a few days to get his nerve up and do it. IME experience people who want to kill themselves do just that.

[BehindBlueI's]

I only recall one suicide by gun in which the dude bought the gun specifically to kill himself. No waiting period because it was a long gun, but he took a few days to get his nerve up and do it. IME experience people who want to kill themselves do just that.

As cops we see the ones who followed through with it. There are some folks who are going to do it no matter what. There are also many folks who, if you can intervene when they are right on the precipice, will back down and get themselves back in order.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...oryId=92319314

[Hambo]

Twofer killings: both the victim and actor are POSs. One is dead and the other gets sent to the joint. Urban renewal in action.

Or BG1 shoots at BG2 who returns fire. Both score hits. BG1 dies on scene. BG2 gets away but his homies dump him at the ER door where he is DOA.