Definition of Matricide-Patricide

The term coined and used by criminologists, social researchers, and other homicide students to describe murder is known as matricide. murder of a mother by a son. Patricide, on the other hand is the death of a parent. Finally parricide It is the most generic term to speak of the death of one or both parents, at the hands of their children. This last term is also used when it comes to one of the grandparents or another close relative.

Although statistically rare, experts say that about 300 murders of this nature occur each year in In the United States of America, however, it is also known that the cases of parents who kill their children occur at the double.

Talking about these crimes is always shocking, but it is not something new. History and literature, from the Bible to police files, are replete with examples

We are a species that hurts - and sometimes kills - those we supposedly love. Sadly, between 10 and 16 percent of annual homicides occur within families, according to civil associations related to this issue.

Probable causes

According to criminologist Kathleen Heide, a student of the reasons humans kill each other, the cases of Children who murder their parents can be classified into three categories, which provide an idea of ​​the reasons that lead them to it:

The first typical case is that of the child or the Teen severely physically and emotionally abused, who finds in homicide a way out to end the abuse.

One second is the son with a disease Serious mentally, he commits the crime - almost always alone - as a result of it. Schizophrenia is the disease most associated as a risk factor in cases of matricide and patricide.

Finally, it may be due to a personalityantisocial, who kills for selfish or instrumental reasons, such as having Liberty, get money, or even to get a boyfriend or girlfriend.

About 15% of homicides commit suicide after carrying out the parricide

In addition, it has record that almost 90% of these murders are carried out by the sons, while in 10% of the cases, the daughters are the culprits.

Values ​​and the family in relation to parricide

Unfortunately, the crimes of patricide and matricide are a reflection of a damaged family structure. The Family, What institution, it is the place where we should find protection and where we prepare to live with others, However, the lack of values ​​has meant that these cases continue to appear, with increasing numbers of frequency.

Photos: iStock - DebraLee Wiseberg / ONiONAstudio