Gunshot fatalities in children and adolescents in New York City

Author: Gill, J. R. / Lenz, K. A. / Amolat, M. J.
Publication: Journal of Forensic Sciences
Topics: Age Group Alcohol Ethnicity Homicide Local
Keywords: Adolescent Children EPIDEMIOLOGY drugs gunshot wound
Bibliographic information +

The authors examined the epidemiology and characteristics of all deaths from gunshot wounds for people younger than 19 years of age between 1996 and 2000 in New York using medical examiner’s reports. They identified 263 fatalities, of which there were 242 homicides, 17 suicides, and 4 accidents. 96% of homicides involved Blacks or Hispanics, and 68% involved 17 and 18 year olds. Ethanol and/or illicit drugs were detected in 56% of homicides and 53% of suicides. 77% of suicides took place in the home, while half of homicides occurred on the street.