Arson murder doubles in Australia: report
Xinhua, July 3, 2015 Adjust font size:
Arson-homicides have doubled in the past 20 years in Australia, a new report from the Australian Institute of Criminology revealed on Friday.
The study of arson-associated homicide in Australia found 44 percent more such murders took place in the 2000s compared to the 1990s.
"This supports the previous Australian findings that indicated that offenders may now be using fire in homicides more frequently than previously," the report stated.
While arson-associated homicides only make up 2 percent of all homicides each year, according to researchers "they are of particular interest given their propensity to become uncontrollable and claim more than one victim".
The largest proportion of arson homicide victims (23 percent) were the current intimate partner of the offender, the report stated.
The majority of arson-homicides involved one victim and one case involved 15 victims at a Queensland backpackers hostel which was deliberately set on fire as residents slept. Endi