The presence of alcohol consumption prior to homicide in Singapore

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of alcohol use disorders in people charged with homicide in Singapore. We also sought to determine which historical risk factors were associated with the use of alcohol 24 hours prior to the homicide and with the presence of a severe mental illness at the material time of the offence. Methods We extracted data from administrative records of all people charged with homicide in Singapore between 2007 and 2014. We used regression models to adjust for known confounding variables and explore the relationship between alcohol use and homicide. Results Of 253 homicide offenders, 141 individuals (56%) meeting criteria for alcohol use disorders at the time of the offence. 121 offenders (48%) consumed alcohol within the 24 hours preceding the homicide. Of the 149 that met criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis, 35 had a severe mental illness. Conclusion Alcohol use disorders are by far the most common disorder diagnosed in people charged with homicide in Singapore. Alcohol use is less common in homicide offenders with SMI.