Homicides, suicides and race in Connecticut

Associated Press:

A death study in Connecticut has found that suicides account for three times as many violent deaths as homicides in the state.

The study was released Wednesday by the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children's Medical Center and is based on information from the chief medical examiner's office on deaths in 2004.

The study examined 108 homicides and 296 suicides in 2004, comparing the race, ethnic background and gender of those who died violent deaths.

There were three times as many suicides in 2004 as homicides and suicide victims were overwhelmingly male, the study found. Those who commit suicide are most likely to be white and most likely died of gunshot wounds and strangulation.

The study found that black men, age 20 to 24, were eight times more likely than any other group to die as the result of homicide.

Sixty percent of all homicide victims died from gunshot wounds in their homes and on sidewalks in cities.

The prevention center hopes that local municipalities, police departments and state agencies will use the study to create prevention programs, Dr. Leonard Banco, vice president of strategic planning for Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

Violent Deaths Differ By Area