Murderers who are not guilty due to insanity: Demographic, criminal and psychiatric characteristics

Background: While various studies have revealed a correlation between major psychiatric disorders and violent behavior, studies focusing on the demographic, criminal, and psychiatric characteristics of murderers and their behavior at the scene of the crime are relatively scarce. The aim of this study is therefore to examine these characteristics of murderers who committed murder due to insanity and to analyze their behavior at the scene of crime. Method: The study was conducted at the maximum secure unit of Sha’ar Menashe Mental Health Center and reviewed all files of the 69 inpatients who have committed murder and been admitted to the unit since its opening in 1997. Results: 93% of the participants were diagnosed with schizophrenia, 70% had at least one psychiatric hospitalization before committing the crime, 57% did not adhere to medications between hospitalizations, 33% took medications sporadically, and 42% of those diagnosed with a psychotic disorder prior to the murder did not regularly attend their psychiatric follow-up. Regarding the crime, in 91% of the cases, the victim was known to the murderer, 69% of the murders were brutal, 47% of the murderers remained at the scene after committing the murder and only 30% left. Conclusion: The findings offer a better understanding of the factors and motivations leading individuals with psychotic disorder to commit violent crimes and murder and their behavior at the scene of the crime. This may assist in identifying at-risk populations and developing and implementing relevant prevention programs.