Military homicide records hide far more domestic-violence murders than reported
An investigation found the Pentagon’s homicide data undercounts service-member killings linked to intimate-partner violence, revealing at least 73 cases versus the 41 officially recorded.
A new investigation uncovered that the Department of Defense’s reports to Congress dramatically understate homicides stemming from intimate-partner violence among service members. By cross-checking public news, obituaries, court documents and Freedom-of-Information data, analysts found at least 73 such killings between fiscal 2019 and 2024, compared with the Pentagon’s official tally of 41. The study includes cases where the victim was a woman dating or partnered with a service member, even when the victim was a foreign national.
The murder of sailor Angelina Resendiz by fellow sailor Jermiah Copeland exemplifies the mishandling of missing-person reports and delayed investigations. Experts say the lack of accurate data prevents effective prevention measures, while the newly formed Military Spouse Commission does not prioritize the issue. The findings highlight broader cultural and procedural shortcomings that allow abuse to go unrecorded and unpunished.
Why it matters
Accurate counts are essential to address and prevent deadly domestic abuse within the armed forces.
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