Comparing Solved and Unsolved No-Body Homicides in Australia: An Exploratory Analysis. Issue 4 (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferguson, Claire; Pooley, Kamarah
• Is Part Of: Homicide studies. Volume 23:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 381
• Page End: 403
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: homicide -- solvability -- death investigation -- missing persons -- Coroner's inquest; Homicide -- Periodicals; 364.152
• DOI: 10.1177/1088767919852381
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1088-7679

Abstract

Factors that are both within and outside of police discretion can pose challenges to solving homicides generally. There has been little study of no-body homicides, nor why some remain unresolved. This analysis compares solved and unsolved no-body homicides in Australia using Pearson's chi-square tests of independence. Coroners' findings, case law, and media reports from 1983 to 2017 were examined. Cases ( N = 55; 42.4% solved) differed based on the victim's age, who reported them missing, reward money, Coronial inquests, who determined homicide, availability of evidence and confessions, suspects lying, establishing crime scenes, and motivations.