Comparative analysis of homicide and homicide followed by suicide in the period 2000–2022 in Southeastern Serbia

Abstract Background This study aimed to examine a broad range of medico-legal factors related to the homicides (H) and homicides that followed the suicides (H–S) phenomenon in Southeastern Serbia during the period (2000–2022), providing context for the temporal scope of the data and its relevance to current trends. Results Our investigation from 2000 to 2022 revealed 529 H cases and 86 H–S cases. The H–S rate was 0.26 per 100,000 persons per year, accounting for 16.25% of the total population. We found that H–S perpetrators, typically males, older than H perpetrators, highly educated, urban, and unemployed, had a mentally inconspicuous status. Those who committed H had prior criminal records and were more frequently impaired by alcohol during the critical event compared with H–S perpetrators. The majority of male H victims were older than most female H and H–S victims, both from urban areas, with completed high school and employed, with mentally inconspicuous status, and married. Victims of H were more often under the influence of alcohol at the moment of the critical event. Previous threats against the victim were registered more often in cases of H–S, as well as the use of a handgun rather than a gunshot for committing murder. Typical motive in H was disagreement/dispute against acquaintances/neighbors, compared to intimate partners (IP) abandonment/threat of abandonment, and IP pathological jealousy as a part of intimate partner violence (IPV) in H–S. These distinct profiles provide a fascinating area for further research and underscore the importance of understanding the unique dynamics of H and H–S cases. Conclusions According to our results, H–S is the most common form of IPV, suggesting that professionals should focus on targeted prevention strategies that address the identified patterns to reduce fatal outcomes.