Race/ethnicity patterns in the homicide of children in Los Angeles, 1980 through 1989.

This study investigated age, sex, and race/ethnicity risk patterns for homicide based on 246 children (newborn to 14 years old) who were murdered in the city of Los Angeles 1980 through 1989. Rates of homicide are higher for newborn to 4-year-olds than for 5- to 14-year-olds. Boys and girls have similar rates of homicide at young ages; among 5- to 14-year-olds, however, boys have higher rates. Characteristics of the victim, suspect, and event were fairly consistent across victim race/ethnicity. Rates vary by the victim's race/ethnicity; paralleling patterns among adults, rates of homicide are lowest for non-Hispanic White, higher for Hispanic, and highest for Black children.