Domestic violence deaths are on the rise in Idaho

NAMPA, Idaho (AP) — The number of domestic violence deaths in Idaho is on the rise.

Eleven people have been killed across the state so far this year in domestic violence incidents — more than in 2016, 2015 and 2014 annually, The Idaho Press-Tribune reported .

In all of 2017, 17 people died as a result of domestic violence.

We’re on a trajectory for more this year than in previous years,” said Kelly Miller, executive director of the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. “We do know that there is an increase in homicide-suicide (incidents).”

Miller wasn’t able to say why that trend might exist.

Five people in Idaho were fatally shot Thursday in domestic violence incidents. Four of the five deaths were two couples who died in separate murder-suicides.

Seven people have died from domestic violence in the Treasure Valley so far this year, according to Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence records. They make up more than half of the 11 domestic violence deaths in the state so far this year.

Between Wednesday and Monday, 13 people were arrested on suspicion of domestic violence charges in Ada and Canyon counties.

Tracy Basterrechea, the Meridian Police Department’s deputy chief, said domestic violence incidents involving weapons are unusual. Most domestic violence offenders use physical force, he said.

Basterrechea and Miller agreed those who commit domestic violence have likely done so before. Basterrechea described that repeated behavior as a pattern, and Miller said past violence could be a predictor of future incidents.

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