Although it has been established that homicide offenders are clearly well versed in the criminal world, there is limited knowledge as to what the specific types of offenses they engage in leading up to the homicide are and if patterns of specialization or escalation exist. Additionally, little research on homicide offenders has differentiated between gang and nongang homicide offenders, which is surprising considering the vast amount of research that has established that gang members tend to be frequent serious offenders. In order to add to the body of knowledge regarding specialization and escalation in the criminal careers of serious offenders, this study seeks to examine the arrest histories of homicide offenders in Newark, New Jersey. The study finds that homicide offenders in Newark are heavily involved in violent and drug crimes prior to the homicide. Gang members tend to commit and specialize in drug crimes. Nongang members tended to commit more violent crimes and had the highest probability of specializing in drug crimes, then escalating to violence. Policies targeting drug offenders might be beneficial in reducing homicide. An additional intervention should take place once offenders escalate to violence.
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