Skip to main content
Article
Female-Perpetrated Multiple-Victim Homicides in Ghana
Journal of Crime and Criminal Behavior (2021)
  • Mensah Adinkrah, Dr.
Abstract
Research specifically investigating female-perpetrated multiple-victim homicide has been sparse with the result that there is limited understanding of the behavior. The goal of the present study therefore was to explore the extent and nature of female-perpetrated multiple-victim homicides that occurred in Ghana during 2010-2020 in order to better understand the phenomenon. The study employed media surveillance methodology. Information was extracted from various print and electronic media sources in Ghana. The results show that female-perpetrated multiple-victim homicide is a rare crime in the society. The study identified 6 cases over a 31-year period. Each crime was highly publicized by the mass media and was the subject of intense public interest and discussion. Each elicited widespread public condemnation, with citizens describing the crimes as actions of depraved, and antisocial malefactors, or at best, mentally disordered persons. Most of the female-perpetrated multiple-victim homicide events were maternal filicide incidents in which mothers killed their own children. Psychopathology appeared to be a factor in 3 of the 6 filicides. Suicide occurred in 2 of the 6 homicide events. Many of the crimes continue to be topical issues in Ghana today, even several years after their occurrence. Case narratives for all six cases are provided. Additional research from non-western, non-industrial societies is needed to broaden understanding of and linkages between gender and multiple-victim homicide.
Keywords
  • Homicide,
  • Multiple-Victim Homicide,
  • Mass murder,
  • Female Homicides,
  • Ghana
Publication Date
Winter December 30, 2021
Citation Information
Mensah Adinkrah. "Female-Perpetrated Multiple-Victim Homicides in Ghana" Journal of Crime and Criminal Behavior Vol. 1 Iss. 2 (2021) p. 173 - 191 ISSN: 2583-0244
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mensah_adinkrah/51/