Maternal filicide has been discussed in the medical mental health and child abuse fields yet
little research exists with a criminal justice law enforcement perspective. Nevertheless
criminal justice professionals responsible for investigation and prosecution of these offenders
often must give attention to unique behavioral social and psychological dynamics not
considered in many other types of cases. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Behavioral
Analysis Unit (BAU) III - Crimes Against Children identified collected and reviewed law
enforcement case files in which a biological mother killed her child(ren). Collectively the
cases involve 213 biological mothers who killed 265 children and are comprised of neonaticide
infanticide and filicide cases. Data analysis revealed that the offenders ranged in age from
12-46 years and many were unmarried unemployed and had a history of violence. Many of the
victims were three years of age or younger did not live with their biological fathers at the
time of their deaths and had a history of maltreatment most often perpetrated by their
mothers. In addition traditional weapons such as a firearm or knife were used less often
compared to asphyxiants and blunt force instruments. The authors explore the tenets of female
violence the mother-child dynamic and mental disorders and address the complexities
associated with investigating and prosecuting maternal filicide offenders.
