Cocaine Abuse and Violent Death

Abstract

One hundred and fourteen Los Angeles County Coroner's cases found to be positive in drug screening for the presence of cocaine were studied to determine the relationship between cocaine abuse and violent death. Of these 114 victims, 70 (61.4%) died a violent death—over 68% of these as shootings and stabbings. Fourteen of the violent death victims (20%) were found to have been behaving in a violent manner just prior to their death. Violence seems to be clearly connected to the use and abuse of cocaine.