This chapter probes the routine recording of homicides in England & Wales – in other words, the reality of homicide. Our data source comes from the England and Wales Homicide Index (see Soothill et al., 1999 ), which is a computer-based system in operation since 1976 covering all homicides (murder, manslaughter and infanticide) which were initially recorded by the police. Records are updated when suspect information becomes available and also when court proceedings are concluded. Cases are later labelled as “currently recorded” or “not currently recorded” based on case information. Information on all victims and all suspects are recorded.