Mar. 27, 1962 - Most of the murders committed in New York City last year were not planned, nor were they associated with underworld activity. The majority were committed at home in family disputes. There were 483 homicides in 1961, an increase of 93 over 1960. Eighty-seven percent resulted in arrests. These were the highlights of a study of last year’s homicides released today by Police Commissioner Michael J. Murphy. A spokesman for Mr. Murphy said one reason for the rise in murder was the “continuing moral disintegration in the home.” Of the total of homicides, 206 occurred in homes. One hundred and eleven of the victims were women. Ninety-eight women were arrested for homicide. Fifteen husbands were slain by their wives and eighteen wives by their husbands. A total of 59 homicides resulted from family squabbles involving parents, their children, and relatives.
