But child psychologist Dennis Embry said the motive for killing a family member may not be that simple. And Embry predicts the growing violent nature of society and rising availability of deadly weapons will make for more parent killings. Still, Embry said, parent killings remain far less common than homicides resulting from domestic violence among intimates. In Pima County last year, one woman and three men were arrested in the deaths of their spouses or partners. Two men and one woman were killed by their mates in murder-suicides.
Experts say homicides that result from domestic violence often stem from years of abuse.
It's not about love. It's about maintaining control and having power over another person,'' said Leslie Wheeler-Dobbs, executive director of Brewster Center for Victims of Family Violence. Most partner-related homicides happen when a victim tries to leave an abusive relationship, said Sgt. Robert Barton, head of the Tucson Police Department domestic violence unit. Barton said abuse victims should plan a safe way to leave ahead of time .