When Women Kill: Understanding the Jennifer Harris Tragedy and Female Violence in the Workplace

This week on Hill of Justice, we dive deep into a tragic and complex story that forces us to rethink how we understand violence — especially violence committed by women.

The case of Jennifer Harris, a woman murdered by a colleague in a workplace shooting, is heartbreaking and unsettling. Beyond the shock of the event itself lies a broader conversation about gender, psychology, workplace dynamics, and mental health that society often overlooks.

The Unseen Reality of Female Violence

According to FBI statistics, women account for only about 10 to 11% of all homicides in the United States. But the ways in which women commit violence often differ significantly from men. Where men typically resort to firearms in more detached, instrumental killings, women’s violence tends to be more intimate, emotional, and symbolic.

In this episode, we explore how women often use knives, blunt objects, or poison — tools that allow for close contact with the victim, usually someone they know well. The emotional context behind these acts reveals a slow burn of trauma, internalized pain, and often untreated mental health issues.

The Workplace: A Powder Keg of Conflict and Danger

The murder of Jennifer Harris shines a spotlight on the dangerous consequences of unresolved workplace conflicts and toxic dynamics. Supervisors and managers often find themselves caught in a difficult balancing act — needing to protect their team while managing difficult employees.

Our guest, a veteran homicide investigator with over a decade of experience, shares firsthand insights into the risks supervisors face when firing or disciplining staff. Resentment from terminated employees can escalate dangerously if warning signs are ignored.

The Need for Safety Protocols and Mental Health Support

One of the hardest lessons in this story is that firing someone is never just a business decision — it’s a potential security risk. Many workplaces lack the proper safety protocols to protect managers and staff during terminations, such as secure locations, security screenings, or having support staff present.

Moreover, mental health support in the workplace remains inadequate. Untreated trauma and emotional pain can escalate to violence, especially when employees feel unheard or marginalized.

Breaking the Silence on Female Violence

Society often struggles to accept that women can be perpetrators of violence, which leads to disbelief and denial. This episode confronts that bias head-on, asking difficult questions:

• Why do women kill?

• How do emotional trauma and internalized pain factor into their actions?

• What responsibilities do employers have to protect their staff and themselves?

Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Female violence is often driven by intimate relationships and emotional trauma.

• Workplace conflicts can escalate into deadly violence if not managed properly.

• Supervisors need clear safety protocols for firing and disciplining employees.

• Mental health support is critical in preventing workplace violence.

• Society’s stereotypes about women and violence can obscure warning signs.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you want to understand the Jennifer Harris case beyond the headlines, and dive into a nuanced conversation about female violence, workplace safety, and justice — this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on female violence and workplace safety? Have you experienced or witnessed workplace conflict escalate dangerously? Drop your comments and join the real talk at @HillOfJustice on social media.

Produced by Juming Delmas Studios | www.jdelmasstudios.com