Defining FamilicideĬriminologists have been conducting increasing research into the phenomenon of familicide and in the process have produced many terms and definitions to describe such acts and distinguish them from each other. Those left behind can only speculate on what may have caused someone they loved to kill their family, and most often, take the lives of innocent children. There is no court case, no opportunity to find out why and whether or not this was a premeditated planned murder or an act which was spontaneous due to thoughts at that very moment. The talented duo at Morbid Minds have used their skills in video and audio to transform these case studies and research findings into a visual depiction that is a must watch.Ĭhillingly in the UK, statistics suggest that a child is more likely to be killed by a parent than by a stranger and in most cases, the killer takes his own life after the act. In a collaborative project between Crime Traveller and Morbid Minds Productions, this feature article has been turned into a full-length documentary. Most researchers agree that this act is a form of mass murder due to the multiple victims involved. For those with an interest in why such horrific crimes take place and how an individual can murder their own family, such cases are explored in detail.įamilicide is commonly intertwined with the term ‘family annihilator’ stemming from the act itself, that of family annihilation. It is a crime that has invoked horror and fascination in equal measures. Often no outward signs were visible to suggest anyone was in danger or that there was a risk of an individual taking such horrific actions. These cases are horrifying acts which can wipe out an entire family, leaving relatives, friends, and colleagues stunned and confused. It is most often used to describe cases where a parent, usually the father, kills his wife and children and then himself. Familicide is defined as one family member who murders other members of their family, commonly taking the lives of all.