Homicide is the death of a human being at the hands of another person. Homicide is a global issue that affects everyone. It robs victims of their lives, harms their loved ones and the broader community, and burdens perpetrators with guilt or imprisonment.
Regardless of the intention, killing another person is always a serious crime and must be investigated by law enforcement agencies. The severity of penalties reflects the gravity of the act and deters future offenses. For example, first-degree murder involves planning and premeditation, and is considered the most severe form of homicide. The underlying malice aforethought requires a conscious disregard for life, which may be demonstrated through various mental states including intent to kill or cause severe bodily injury, and reckless indifference to the risk of harm to others.
Second-degree murder includes intentional killings without the premeditation of first-degree murder, and often relates to the heat of passion or sudden disputes. Voluntary manslaughter, which can occur as the result of provocation, also falls within this category and is characterized by an emotional outburst that clouds judgment. Felony murder is a form of homicide when someone dies during the commission of a dangerous felony.
Other homicide types include honor killings, where women are killed by their male family members due to the perception that they have brought shame upon the family or community. Suicides, which can be accidental or not, are also considered homicides. Homicides can be caused by a variety of factors, including firearms, drugs, alcohol, assaults, and falling from high places.