Parricide

Abstract This article discusses factors that may be useful in assessment of potential for the murder of parents. The research indicates that different factors apply to adult children versus juvenile perpetrators. These factors have differential implications for threat assessment and for the opportunity for intervention. Adult children are often already in treatment for serious mental illness and are likely to be financially and/or emotionally dependent on the parents. Detection of the potential for parricide in juveniles is more subtle. School counselors and teachers are the most likely individuals to recognize the warning signs that are enumerated. Three case studies are presented to illustrate the dynamics of parricide. Key Words: Parricidefamily violencehomicide