Table 3

Characteristics of incidents involving unintentional firearm homicides, SHRs, 1997

No (%) (n=168)
Weapon type
    Handgun120 (71)
    Shotgun24 (14)
    Rifle19 (11)
    Other or unknown gun5 (3)
Circumstance
    Other negligent handling of gun which results in death of another100 (60)
    Children playing with gun52 (31)
    Victim shot in hunting accident8 (5)
    All other manslaughter by negligence6 (4)
    Gun cleaning death (other than self inflicted)2 (1)
Relationship of victim to perpetrator
    Friend58 (35)
    Acquaintance44 (26)
    Family member (excluding spouse)37 (22)
    Intimate partner15 (9)
    Stranger8 (5)
    Other known6 (4)