Of homicides in which firearms are used, handguns are used more than two-thirds of the time. In seven out of ten cases, the homicide victim knows the offender. In approximately one out of five homicides, the victim and the offender are related. Black persons are 3-4.5 times more likely to be a homicide victim than Native Americans or whites. Nationally, most homicides are committed between family, friends, or acquaintances.
Most homicides are the result of an argument which escalates.
The economic gain from drug trafficking or gang activity are sometimes thought to be a major cause of homicide. The group at highest risk of being a homicide victim is young black males. Homicide is the leading cause of death for black males 15-39 years of age. McCurtain, Tillman, Seminole, Choctaw, and Adair are the top five counties for the highest homicide rates in Oklahoma from 1987-1991. Alcohol and readily accessible firearms are major factors in homicides.