Money woes linked to murder-suicides

Murder-suicides and other slayings involving romantic partners and family members dominated headlines last year, shocking and puzzling the community and experts alike.

Sixteen victims, including seven children, were killed in family murder-suicides last year in San Diego County, compared to five in 2010.

At least 16 others were murdered in other family violence situations, according to data U-T San Diego gathered from law enforcement agencies.

Financial struggles appear to be behind some of the killings.

Jeffrey Bucholtz, co-president of the San Diego Domestic Violence Council, said one of the recurring themes in any uptick in violence has to do with when people feel backed into a corner, which can happen in times of economic stress, family separation and the loss of jobs or stability.