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Homicide
trends in the U.S.
Homicide circumstances
The mix of circumstances surrounding homicides
has changed over the last two decades
The number of homicides --
- in which the circumstances were unknown is greater than any known
category of circumstances
- resulting from arguments declined in recent years but remains the most frequently
cited circumstance of the known circumstances
- that occurred during the commission of another felony like a robbery
or burglary declined since 1991 but stablized in recent years
- involving adult or juvenile gang violence increased almost 8 fold
since 1976.
To view data, click on the chart.
[D]
- Note: Arguments include brawls due to the influence of narcotics
or alcohol,
- disagreements about money or property and other arguments.
- Felony types include homicides committed during a rape, robbery, burglary,
theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, and violations of prostitution and
commercial vice laws, other sex offenses, narcotic drug laws, and gambling
laws.
- Gang homicides include gangland killings and juvenile gang killings.
The proportion of homicides
involving guns differs by circumstance
Gun involvement --
- in gang related homicides increased after 1980
- in homicides that occurred during the commission of a felony increased
from 55% in 1985 to 77% in 2005.
- in homicides resulting from arguments declined to the lowest levels
recorded recently
- in homicides resulting from other circumstances remained relatively
constant
To
view data, click on the chart.
[D]
Source: FBI, Supplementary Homicide Reports, 1976-2005.
See also Additional information about the data.
Note: The victims of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks are not included in this analysis.
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