Homicide rates in major cities across the U.S. appear to be on the decline this year after increasing over the last few years, according to a recent New York Times article. The report indicates that by the time statistics are available for the entire year, the murder rate should be about 4 to 5% lower across the nation, compared to 2017.

According to the Times report, fewer homicides occur in the U.S. each year when compared to the 1980s and 1990s. This is a positive trend over the long-term. However, the rates are still high when compared to only a few years ago.

Some 65 cities (including Baltimore) which have populations of more than 250,000 people, have experienced reductions this year in the homicide rate. This fact is in stark contrast to the 23% increase in murders that took place nationally during the period between 2014 and 2016.

Baltimore’s declining homicide rate

In the city of Baltimore, a considerable decrease in the homicide rate took place in the early part of this year. In fact, by the end of March, homicides were 27% lower than they were at the same time in 2017.

However, by Dec. 1, the city had experienced 287 homicides, representing only a 10% reduction from the same time last year.

For the fourth consecutive year, Baltimore is on track to have more than 300 homicides. In 2015, there were 342 homicides in the city; in 2016 there were 318; in 2017 there were 342.

Homicide rates in Baltimore still historically high

In the early to mid-1990s, Baltimore’s population was much higher than it is today, with some 723,800 residents of the city in 1993. In that year, 353 people in the city were victims of homicide. Today, the city’s population is about 610,000. However, at the same time, the yearly homicide numbers have increased, spiking the city’s murder rate to 56 per 100,000 individuals in 2017. According to the FBI, this is the highest rate of homicide of a city in the United States having a population of over 500,000 people.

Criminal homicide is a serious charge against any defendant. As a defendant facing such a charge, you need a carefully crafted an intelligent defense to ensure no legal advantages available to you are left on the table. This involves acquiring the services of a skilled legal advocate with a broad portfolio of experience handling various types of homicide cases. You need someone fight vigorously your behalf from start to finish.

At Carey Law Office, our criminal defense attorneys understand the devastation a criminal charge can have on your life and family. You have rights under the law and the Constitution. We are here to defend those rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. To set up a free consultation at one of our offices in Bowie or Crofton, MD, call us today at 301.464.2500 or complete our contact form.