JMS Homicide Timeline

Pre-relationship (history)

relationship

escalation

early relationship

trigger(s)

change in thinking

Homicide Timeline

intimate partner violence

planning

homicide

By prof. jane monckton smith

Read more about Professor Jane Monckton Smith here.

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Hover over each number to read more

Research looked at hundreds of cases of intimate partner homicide through interviews with bereaved families and public protection professionals. The study found an emerging pattern that could be broken down into eight separate stages.

Stalking Change in usual behaviour Possible withdrawal Increased menace May tell people of plans/continue to make threats Internet searches Gathering of weapons or other tools to incapacitate the victim, or dispose of them Suicide threats

Clear homicide with confession Homicide with suicide of offender Homicide made to look like suicide, ‘mercy killing’, accident, misadventure or natural causes Stage missing person Children targeted/collateral damage Claiming self defense/provocation

Last attempts at reconciliationStalking Victim does not/cannot respond to threats Victim has new relationshipFinancial/reputation ruin is imminent or irreversible Mental/physical health deterioration is irreversible Status irretrievably diminished

Concerning behaviours become more frequent, serious and/or severe Stalking (even low level) Threats to kill or suicide May use language like ‘I won’t let you leave’, ‘I can't live without you’, ‘if I can’t have you no one can’

Separation/threat of separation Constant accusations of an affairBankruptcy or financial ruin Physical & mental health deteriorates in offender/victim Redundancy/retirement Event which prompts retaliation or revenge on victim

Controlling/possessive and jealousIsolates victimEnforces routinesMonitorsThreats of suicide or threats to killViolence (even low level)Harming children/petsQuick tempered and thin skinnedUse of drugs/alcohol to exasperate issues

Romantics actions speed upEarly cohabitationDeclarations of lovePregnancyMarriageResists attempts to slow down the relationshipJealous and possessive

History of controlling/abusive relationships allegations/convictions Stalking after relationships have ended Arrests for violence Inability to accept challenge Thin skinned and confrontational