Detroit reports fewest homicides in 57 years; carjackings down 34%
(CBS DETROIT) - Last year, the city of Detroit had the lowest number of homicides in 57 years.
In December, the Detroit Police Department and other local and state officials discussed the reduction of gun-related crimes and how the city was set to end the year with the fewest number of homicides since 1966.
"These are bodies, these are people, this is trauma that didn't happen. When you can Save a life, you can save a family," Detroit Police Chief James White said.
During that press conference, officials said through the end of November 2023, homicides were down 18%, non-fatal shootings were down 16%, and carjackings were down 34%.
"It doesn't surprise me," said John George, executive director of Blight Busters. "We've been working diligently for the last 35 years."
George's group is on a mission to revitalize Detroit through partnerships and volunteerism, transforming abandoned buildings.
"Collectively, not only the mayor's office, the city council, the neighborhood groups, [and] the nonprofits have been working in harmony to remove the negative energy and to create spaces and places that give back instead of take from," he said.
In addition, the felony gun case backlog in the Wayne County Circuit Court was reduced by 67%, and the felony gun case backlog in the 36th District Court was reduced by 80%.
Now that 2024 is here, Detroit Police Chief James White, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and other law enforcement officials will hold a press conference to discuss the year-end crime numbers for last year.
"In 2023, many cities in the U.S. saw a reduction in crime as the Covid-era violence has begun to abate," Duggan said. "What's truly remarkable is that Detroit's homicides dropped below pre-covid levels. I want to thank the men and women of the Detroit Police Department and all of the other partners in the law enforcement system that made this possible."
George said he truly believes in the city, and he's committed to working with police to ensure crime rates continue to decline year after year.
"I'm half Italian, half Lebanese, and 100% Detroit stubborn, and we're going to stick and stay on this corner until we get it right," he said.