Here are some interesting facts about homicides and crimes of violence in Richmond. First, the good news: All part 1 crime (homicide. rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, auto burglary, auto theft, arson) are down more than 13% over last year. Violent crime in 2004 is down more than 14% over 2003. There have been 22 homicides in 2004 in Richmond, an annualized rate of 25.1, the third lowest in a decade.

 

The bad news is that even one homicide is too many. Homicides occur in Richmond for a variety of reasons, including the inability to deal with social pressures caused by poverty, blight, lack of education, joblessness and a sense of hopelessness, all of which lead persons to settle disagreements violently.

 

The typical Richmond homicide victim is an African-American male 18 to 29 year of age. The most likely area for a homicide to occur is the Westside (Iron Triangle District) and Southside (Southeast and Southwest Districts). Most homicides (81%) occur between 4:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Saturday is the most likely day.

 

"Disrespect” from neighborhood factions (gangs) accounts for a significant amount of assaults with weapons that lead to homicides. Gang-related disputes are believed to account for some 75% of assaults with deadly weapons and homicides. Members of neighborhood factions rely on violence to resolve disputes ranging from payment of drug debts to automobile accidents. Retaliation is also a factor between neighborhood factions.

 

Lack of cooperation from witnesses often makes prosecution difficult. Often witnesses will provide information only on the condition they don’t have to testify in court, which adversely affects the prosecution rate and allows suspects sometimes to go free.

 

Nationally, homicides occur at an average rate of 5.6 per 100,000 population. Richmond had 37.6 homicides per 100,000 population in 2003 and 28.71% in 2002. Although the rate is high compared to all cities, it is consistent with cities of comparable demographics, such as Flint, MI (32.51%), Gary, IN (79.38%), Inglewood, CA (33.13%), Compton, CA (48.31%), Camden, NJ (30.85%).

 

Richmond Homicides Since 1994