Rapidly ageing population has become a serious issue around the world. Taiwan is estimated to enter super-aged society in 2025, by the time family caregiver will carries more burden than ever before. Several family caregiver homicides (FCHs) tragedy incidents happened because of family caregiver burnout. However, little attention has been paid in the criminology field. The aim of this study is to identify the effects of role transition in the caregiving relationship, from that to identify the motive and crime path in FCHs. Thus, this research used qualitative descriptive study involving a purposive sample of 5 family caregivers, including 2 perpetrators of FCHs. This study analyzed the 6 stages of caregiver transition and killing.

Results showed that role change did not affect any interviewers; however, the lack of role cognition, psychological burnout overload, and refuse to ask for help led perpetrators unconsciously zoned in morality blackout stage, and performed criminal behavior. Therefore, it is important to strengthen family caregivers’ self-recognition by empowering their characters. Social workers and family members need to reinforce their ability to detect any caregiving transition stages to prevent tragedy happens. Judiciary needs to carefully evaluate the legitimacy of euthanasia in Taiwan, this may provide family caregivers another path rather than killing. Lastly, society should have empathy and try not to be judgmental towards those perpetrators’ life choice.

Keywords: Family caregiver homicides, long-term care, crime prevention