Number of homicides by victim/offender relationship by weapon involvment, 1976-2005
Four line charts by relationship type
Intimates
For homicides involving guns, the number began at 2,039 in 1976 and decreased, reaching 762 in 2004. After 2004, the number increased, reaching 824 in 2005.
For homicides involving other weapons, the number began at 853 in 1976 and fluctuates with a low of 776 as it increases to 933 in 1988. The number then decreased to 639 in 1997. Then it fluctuates with a high of 741 as it increases to 685 in 2005.
Nonintimate family members
For homicides involving guns, the number began at 1,045 in 1976 and fluctuates with a low of 927 as it increases to 1,078 in 1981. Then the number decreased to 457 in 2001. After 2001, it fluctuates with a high of 503 as it increases to 463 in 2005.
For homicides involving other weapons, the number began at 709 in 1976 and fluctuates with a low of 685 as it increases to 981 in 1991. After 1991, the number decreased to 714 in 2000. Then it fluctuates with a high of 829 as it increases to 778 in 2005.
Acquaintances/friends
For homicides involving guns, the number began at 4,671 in 1976 and fluctuates with a high of 4,962 as it decreases to 3,919 in 1984. The number then increased, reaching a high of 5,336 in 1993. Then it fluctuates with a low of 2,470 as it decreases to 2,538 in 2005.
For homicides involving other weapons, the number began at 2,347 in 1976 and fluctuates with a low of 2,152 as it increases to 2,935 in 1986. After 1986, the number fell to 1,539 in 2002. After 2002, it fluctuates with a high of 1,626 as it increases to 1,543 in 2005.
Number of homicides by strangers by weapon use
For homicides involving guns, the number began at 1,751 in 1976 and fluctuates with a high of 2,255 as it decreases to 1,593 in 1988. After 1988, the number rose to 2,745 in 1991. Then it fluctuates with a low of 1,316 as it decreases to 1,712 in 2005.
For homicides involving other weapons, the number began at 884 in 1976 and fluctuates with a low of 877 as it increases to 1,343 in 1984. The number then decreased to a low of 521 in 1999. Then it fluctuates with a high of 655 as it increases to 607 in 2005.