La. ranks second in female homicides

The American Press

Louisiana is second in the nation for the number of females murdered by males, according to The Violence Policy Center’s recently released 2018 survey “When Men Murder Women.”

Based on 2017 crime statistics, the annual study showed that in Louisiana 58 women were murdered by males.

This grim statistic for Louisiana placed the state in the No. 2 position nationally, up from its No. 3 ranking in the nation in 2016.

The Violence Policy Center is a national tax-exempt educational organization working for a safer America through research, investigation, analysis and advocacy.

According to the study, broken down by age, there were four female victims in the less than 18 age category; two in the 65 and over category; and the rest in between those ages with the average age of 34.

Broken down by race, the statistics show that of the 58 female victims, 34 were black, 23 were white and one was of unknown race.

In the weapons category, where it could be identified, 69 percent of the female victims — 35 out of 51 — were shot by guns, including 69 percent killed by hand guns, or 24 victims.

There were also four female victims killed by knives or other cutting instruments, two killed by blunt instruments and four murdered by bodily force.

Most of the victims, in cases relationship could be established, were murdered by someone they knew — 98 percent, or 49 out of 50. Only one female was killed by a stranger.

In addition, 76 percent, or 37, victims were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders.

With regard to cases in which circumstances could be established, in 74 percent of the cases, 37 out of 50, the crime was not related to any other felony. Sixty-two percent of the cases, or 23 homicides, involved arguments between victim and offender.

All Louisianians should be ashamed of such a ranking, and do something about it. The statistics speak for themselves.


This editorial was written by a member of the American Press Editorial Board. Its content reflects the collaborative opinion of the Board, whose members include Crystal Stevenson, John GuidrozJim Beam and Mike Jones.

””Crime Statistics

SportsPlus

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

McNeese Sports

Cowboys enjoy Happy Homecoming

Local News

Iran’s supreme leader threatens Israel, U.S. with ‘crushing response’ to Israeli attack

Local News

It’s a fight to the finish in races that will determine control of Congress

Local News

BREAKING: Shooting reported near Prien Lake Mall

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls set for a noisy start

life

Listen up: Colossus chime newest feature at Millennium Park

McNeese Sports

Cowboys open against tough foe

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Don’t wait up to see who won

life

Gators are back: Refurbished Alligator Cypress Pond reopens to visitors

Local News

BREAKING: Helicopter crash kills 3 in Iowa

high-school Sports

Field of dreams: Lacassine High to soon have home field advantage

Local News

Traffic disruptions planned on I-10 eastbound

Local News

Cameron ferry will soon move to dry dock

Local News

Sowela students hear from local successful business owners

life

PHOTO GALLERY: Halloween in SW La.

Crime

11/1: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Man killed in suspected hit-and-run in Westlake identified

life

City, United Way join forces for LC United Resource Fairs

Football

Hobbs column: LSU fashion fails an unforced error

McNeese Sports

Cowboys look to feast on home cooking

Local News

Carolina Jagneaux has ‘developed a genuine passion for teaching’

Crime

Deputies investigating possible hit-and-run after body found in ditch

Local News

Pumpkin Chunkin contest Saturday at North Beach