Common Indications for Increased Risk for Homicide

• A history of homicidal attempts, gestures, threats, or fantasies.
• A history of violent behavior especially a previous homicide.
• A history of explosiveness and/or rage.
• A history of alcohol and/or substance abuse.
• A disregard for societal conventions and laws. Antisocial values or behavior.
• Allegiance to a culture, sub-culture, or family traditions that promotes or condones violent behavior.
• Threats, letters, or messages describing homicidal plans and/or intent.
• A history of psychosis (especially bipolar illness or paranoia that is not being treated) or impulsivity or severe agitation.
• Having access to a gun or any other lethal weapon or means.
• An inability to forgive or love others. Preoccupation with vengeance or/and obsessive need for retribution.
• A history of cruelty to others or to animals.
• A pattern of irresponsible behavior, callous disregard for feelings of others, and an inability to learn from experiences, especially, the consequences of antisocial behavior.
• Any sudden discovery of an act of violence against a loved one, e.g., the rape of a daughter. Rage can short circuit over normal cortical controls obliterating normal judgment and moral boundaries.
• Stalking behavior and/or obsessive preoccupation with someone who has already said no.
• Inability to accept blame.
• An inability to accept authority. A narcissistic world view.