Using multiple data sources and methods, this book presents a micro-historical analysis of the nature of change and stability in homicidal situations over time. With a focus on the homicidal situation as the unit of analysis, it explores similarities and differences in the context of homicide for different social groups. Analysis of over 400,000 U.S. homicides is supplemented by qualitative analysis of narrative accounts of homicide events to more fully investigate their structure. Findings of homicidal situations across different time periods and social groups are then considered regarding their implications for criminological theory and public policy. (view table of contents)