Degree Name

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Program

Psychology

Date of Award

8-2026

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Jill Stinson

Committee Members

Alyson Chroust, Meredith Ginley, Matthew Palmatier

Abstract

Demographic factors can influence homicide solvability. This study examines the relationship between victim characteristics and homicide clearance rates in Tennessee from 2001 to 2023. Using an intersectional approach, it assesses whether victim characteristics both individually and in combination are related to case solvability. Variables of interest include: (1) victim race, age range, and sex; (2) year the case was reported; (3) crime type; (4) whether the case was cleared; and (5) the circumstances leading to clearance. A total of 11,534 homicide cases from the Tennessee Incident-Based Reporting System were analyzed.

Findings indicate that individual victim characteristics do not significantly predict clearance outcomes on their own. However, significant disparities emerged when these characteristics are combined. Specifically, it was found that cases involving Black male victims, as well as Black victims aged 35-44 and 55-64, were significantly less likely to be cleared in comparison to other groups. Clearance rates also declined significantly over time, consistent with broader national trends. These findings suggest that structural and social barriers including community trust, witness/victim cooperation, and potential bias may influence case outcomes. Overall, this study highlights the importance of utilizing an intersectional approach in understanding how disparities present themselves in homicide clearance rates and underscores the need for equitable investigative practices to improve case resolution across all types of victims.

Document Type

Dissertation - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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