The phrase identifies instances where marital dissolutions are quickly followed by a fatality, often within a very short time span. The temporal element highlights the intense emotional and potentially dangerous period immediately surrounding the legal separation. For example, a contentious split followed by a homicide-suicide within two days would fall under this description.
Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for identifying risk factors associated with domestic violence and escalating conflict during separation. Examining these cases can inform preventative measures, improve legal procedures, and refine mental health interventions for individuals undergoing intense marital disputes. Historically, these tragic occurrences underscore the need for accessible support systems and safeguards for those navigating emotionally volatile separations.