DENVER — An apartment complex in northeast Denver was the scene of a disturbing crime last April, when three people including a 65-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy were fatally shot. Police arrested suspect a few weeks later – the nephew of one of the victims.
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said the triple murder is part of a troubling trend: In 2021, only two murders were connected to what police describe as "family violence." Last year, that number increased to seven.
"Certainly a concern, that family members get into conflict that has tragic results," Thomas said.
Family violence isn't Thomas' only concern. There was also an increase last year in the number of murders that stemmed from an argument or confrontation.
Nearly 30%, or 25 of the city's 88 homicides in 2022, fit into that category – an increase of nearly 10% from 2021.
"Their ability to resolve conflict in a peaceful manner has eroded," Thomas said. "We're seeing guns being used more and more in crimes, and I think we're also seeing younger and younger offenders."
"Something that was relatively minor and could have been de-escalated and people could have walked away from, it turns into a murder and has a tremendous impact on multiple people, multiple families' lives," said Commander Matt Clark, who heads the Denver Police homicide unit.
One positive note is that the total number of homicides in Denver dropped from 96 in 2021 to 88 last year, though Thomas said he is, by no means, satisfied.
"Pleased to see that it's going down, but 88 homicides is still far too much," he said. "Troubling that it's that high."
Denver Police said they solved 78% of last year's murders, up from 72% in 2021. Typically, the national average is right around 50%.
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