Crime Without Punishment | CBS Reports
In this CBS Reports documentary, Jim Axelrod peels back the curtain on a sobering reality of a justice system in crisis: For roughly half of the people murdered in America, no one is arrested for the crime.
Crime Without Punishment
A look at unsolved murders in America
A closer look at disparities in NYPD's homicide clearance rates
In a collaboration with CBS News, we examine a crime often going without punishment in our country. CBS2's Ali Bauman takes a closer look at racial disparities in homicide closure rates at the NYPD.
Oakland, San Francisco see disheartening difference in homicide clearance rates
Barely half of murder cases in the United States get solved. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. Oakland and San Francisco are seeing a large difference on solved cases, as Wilson Walker reports.
She lost two sons to gun violence; five years later, still no arrests
Barely half of murder cases in the U.S. get solved. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. In the mid-1960s, more than 90% of murders were solved, generally resulting in the arrests. By 1990, that percentage fell into the 60s. Then, by 2020, as homicides surged, the national clearance rate dropped to about 50% for the first time ever.
A "coin flip": Nearly half of U.S. murders go unsolved as cases rise
Murders are going unsolved at a historic pace, and police are far less likely to solve cases when the victim is Black or Hispanic, a CBS News investigation has found.
Behind the story: How CBS News analyzed homicide solve rates across U.S.
The investigative team at CBS News wanted to understand how police were addressing this nearly unprecedented spike in murders – and why many were going unsolved.
Baltimore task force trying to solve the crisis of unsolved murder
Officials from more than 20 agencies are working together in a nondescript warehouse, investigating Baltimore's most brazen drug syndicates.
Unsolved murders and the mothers of Jackson, Mississippi
Mothers being asked to investigate the murders of their sons has become a reality in Jackson.
Philly police say "crushing volume" of killings outruns their ability to close cases
CBS News analyzed decades of unsolved murders across the country, and found stark racial disparities in the clearance rates — the share of cases each year that are solved.
Former Dallas police chief hopes police and communities can bridge gaps
Renee Hall, former chief of the Dallas Police Department, is the daughter of a police officer killed in the line of duty.
A closer look at disparities in NYPD's homicide clearance rates
According to data analyzed by CBS News, the national homicide clearance rate has been improving for cases involving white victims, but falling for Black and Hispanic victims.
Detroit homicide clearance rates rise as national rates fall
According to the FBI and the Detroit Police Department, homicide clearance rates in the city have risen as the national average has fallen.
Unsolved murders on the rise, especially for Black, Hispanic victims
An analysis of FBI crime data by CBS 2 has found that LAPD's homicide clearance rate has ebbed over the years in a way that is concerning.
Five years after her brother's murder, one Chicago woman learns justice will never come
Chicago Police have low arrest rates, but higher rates for cleared or closed cases. We dig into what's behind those numbers.
Black and Hispanic murders are less likely to be solved. The reasons why are complicated.
New research by the CBS News Innovation Lab shows the likelihood of a murder being solved in the US is significantly lower when the victims are Black or Hispanic.
How Sacramento County is bucking the national trend of murder cases going unsolved
In a collaboration with CBS News, CBS Sacramento is examining why crime is often going without punishment in our country. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. Barely half of the murder cases in the United States get solved.
Miami police working to increase murder clearance rate
In Miami-Dade, the clearance rate for homicides in 2020 was 43%
The problem behind Boston's unsolved murders
Unsolved murders are a growing concern nationwide.
Homicide clearance rates are dropping in Philadelphia as murder rates skyrocket
The murder rate in Philadelphia was 499 in 2020. That's a 40% increase from 2019.
Homicide clearance rates are declining across the U.S. Baltimore's is down to 42%.
A CBS News analysis of FBI homicide data shows Baltimore City's average clearance rate from 2015 to 2019 was just 38.7%, hitting a low of 29.7% in 2015, the tumultuous year when Freddie Gray was killed in police custody and arrests plummeted.
More murders going unsolved nationally, but Dallas-Fort Worth may be getting less credit than they deserve
Murder, according to the FBI, is the most likely crime to be solved in the US, but nationally the rate of success has been in decline for years.
Pittsburgh homicide clearance rates falling as national rate hits all-time low
In a collaboration with CBS News, KDKA Investigates examines crime often going without punishment in our country.
U.S. unsolved homicide rates soar, and Minneapolis is pacing worse than nat'l average
The day after Terrell Mayes, Jr. celebrated Christmas with his family, the 3-year-old and his siblings heard gunshots. A stray bullet struck Terrell as he ran up the stairs inside his north Minneapolis home. For more than a decade, WCCO has followed his grieving mother's push to find her son's killer.
Denver police's approach to solving homicides has caught national attention
Denver police has made many changes in the decades since the shocking murder of Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, including building a $28 million state-of-the-art crime lab.
Oakland, SF see disheartening difference in homicide clearance rates
In a collaboration with CBS News, KPIX 5 is examining a crime often going without punishment in our country. Barely half of murder cases in the United States get solved.
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LULAC sues Trump administration over executive order to overhaul elections
President Trump signed an executive order last week that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
In special House elections during Trump era, fortune rarely favors opposing party
Since Trump first took office in 2017, Federal Election Commission records show control of a House seat flipped less than 15% of the time in a special election.
Conservative channel Newsmax surges over 700% in stock market debut
Newsmax's share price soared when it started trading Monday on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "NMAX."
What Trump has said about pursuing a third term
President Trump gave the clearest indication yet this week that he is looking at ways to serve a third term in office, though the Constitution bars any person from being elected more than two times.
What to know about the 12th, 22nd Amendments as Trump talks third term
President Donald Trump again suggested he may try to run for a third term in office, despite limits set by the 12th and 22nd Amendments.
MoneyWatch
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Conservative channel Newsmax surges over 700% in stock market debut
Newsmax's share price soared when it started trading Monday on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "NMAX."
Some Egg Beaters and Bob Evans egg substitutes recalled due to bleach
Some Egg Beaters and Bob Evans egg products have been recalled because they may include a cleaning solution, USDA says.
Elon Musk says his DOGE role is hurting Tesla's stock price
The Tesla CEO acknowledged his DOGE activities are impacting the electric vehicle maker's stock price amid boycotts and protests.
S&P 500 marks worst quarter since 2022 amid tariff and inflation fears
Stocks whipsawed on Monday on economic worries, ending the quarter with its worst performance in three years.
The buzz over annoying corporate buzzwords
Faith Salie shares a "disruptive action item" for business buzzword users to "on-board" (that is, if you don't want to be "smartsized" out of a job).
Politics
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LULAC sues Trump administration over executive order to overhaul elections
President Trump signed an executive order last week that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
In special House elections during Trump era, fortune rarely favors opposing party
Since Trump first took office in 2017, Federal Election Commission records show control of a House seat flipped less than 15% of the time in a special election.
What Trump has said about pursuing a third term
President Trump gave the clearest indication yet this week that he is looking at ways to serve a third term in office, though the Constitution bars any person from being elected more than two times.
What to know about the 12th, 22nd Amendments as Trump talks third term
President Donald Trump again suggested he may try to run for a third term in office, despite limits set by the 12th and 22nd Amendments.
Trump criticizes both Putin and Zelenskyy as he pushes for Ukraine ceasefire
President Trump continued his criticism of Volodymyr Zelenskyy but turned the tables and also criticized Russia's Vladimir Putin as he pressed for a Ukraine war ceasefire.
HealthWatch
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Some Egg Beaters and Bob Evans egg substitutes recalled due to bleach
Some Egg Beaters and Bob Evans egg products have been recalled because they may include a cleaning solution, USDA says.
Mom of twins fights to protect infants amid measles outbreak
Measles cases in the U.S., which have soared to nearly 500 infections this year, have created concerns for parents with children who are too young to be vaccinated.
Sickest patients face insurance denials: "They won't help me"
Republicans and Democrats agree prior authorization needs fixing, but patients are growing impatient.
Fighting STDs on Indian reservations
Syphilis rates in the U.S. rose to a 70-year high in 2022, and tripled in the Navajo Nation from 2019-2022. Dr. Celine Gounder takes a look at a program to help fight STDs on Indian reservations in the Southeast.
How the arts can create healthier communities
According to thousands of studies, researchers have determined that involvement in the arts can improve public health and promote healing from illness, as well as protect against such problems as cognitive decline, heart disease, anxiety and depression. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook talks with Broadway director Lear deBessonet, the force behind Arts For EveryBody, a national public health movement whose mission is to connect more people to the arts and create healthier communities.
World
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Carlos Lehder, cartel boss and Pablo Escobar's partner, freed in Colombia
Carolos Lehder, who served over 30 years in a U.S. prison, once owned a luxurious hotel, which had caged lions and a large statue of John Lennon.
Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre in "a serious accident," rep says
Virginia Giuffre, who alleged Epstein sexually trafficked her to Britain's Prince Andrew, was in "a serious accident," her representative said.
Ancient wasp snatched prey like Venus flytrap, scientists say
"I've seen a lot of strange insects, but this has to be one of the most peculiar-looking ones I've seen in a while," said one entomologist.
UAE sentences 3 people to death in killing of 28-year old rabbi
A United Arab Emirates court sentenced three people to death for the killing of Israeli-Moldovan Zvi Kogan, state media reported.
Tesla EVs, charging stations targeted by possible arson in Italy and France
Tesla has been the target of protests around the world amid owner Elon Musk's affiliation with the Trump administration and his backing of European far-right parties.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jordan Davis unveils "Bar None"
Jordan Davis, the country star behind eight No. 1 hits, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to share a first look at his latest single and reveal a big announcement following recent CMA and ACM wins.
Jay Ellis dives into 1980s Oakland
Jay Ellis, star of "Insecure" and "Top Gun: Maverick" takes on a fictional version of Warriors star Sleepy Floyd in "Freaky Tales," a genre-blending film set in 1987 Oakland that reimagines the night Floyd scored 29 points in one quarter and what happens when he becomes the target of a heist.
Kim Delaney, actress known for "NYPD Blue," arrested in domestic dispute
She was arrested on Saturday at a home in Marina Del Rey for assault with a deadly weapon, according to Los Angeles County deputies.
Actor Richard Chamberlain dies at age 90
Richard Chamberlain, the actor known for a string of TV miniseries in the 1980s, including "Shogun," has died. He was 90.
Elton John on Brandi Carlile: She gave me "a fresh start"
To young Brandi Carlile, a girl coming of age and struggling with her own sexuality, Elton John was a flicker of hope in a confusing world. Today, the two music superstars are friends and collaborators, recording an album together, "Who Believes in Angels?"
Technology
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Technology
Growing demand to power AI, cryptocurrency
As cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence advancements are made, U.S. demand for the energy needed to power massive mining and data centers grows. David Turk, former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss how much energy the U.S. needs and the potential environmental impacts.
Waltz's Venmo showed his contacts — even after bombshell report on Signal chat
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles was among the contacts listed in Waltz's Venmo account.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Lawsuit against OpenAI over newspaper copyright can proceed, judge rules
Several newspapers have sued OpenAI and Microsoft, seeking to end the practice of using their stories to train artificial intelligence chatbots.
What is Signal, the app used by Trump's team
The Senate Intelligence Committee heard testimony on Tuesday from key players involved in a group chat on the messaging app Signal, in which the U.S.'s highly sensitive plans to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen were discussed inadvertently with a journalist. President Trump said that his administration would investigate the government's use of Signal. CBS News contributor and former CIA official Andrew Boyd has more on what it is and how it's used.
Science
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SpaceX launch will send civilian crew on first flight around Earth's poles
The international all-civilian Fram2 crew is the first in space history to fly to orbit with no licensed pilot or trained astronaut on board.
Ancient wasp snatched prey like Venus flytrap, scientists say
"I've seen a lot of strange insects, but this has to be one of the most peculiar-looking ones I've seen in a while," said one entomologist.
Millions of bees have died this year: "Worst bee loss in recorded history"
Bees play a key role in the U.S. food supply, and the mass deaths could jeopardize that.
Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?
Carbon capture chemically removes CO2 from the air, to store or recycle into products. But is this technology – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change?
Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?
As a tool to address rising greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture chemically removes carbon dioxide from the air, to store or recycle into products. The company behind a new plant to be opened this summer claims the facility will remove 500,000 tons of CO2 a year. But is this form of carbon capture – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change? Correspondent David Pogue looks at the technology behind this initiative, and the controversy it has raised.
Crime
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Carlos Lehder, cartel boss and Pablo Escobar's partner, freed in Colombia
Carolos Lehder, who served over 30 years in a U.S. prison, once owned a luxurious hotel, which had caged lions and a large statue of John Lennon.
UAE sentences 3 people to death in killing of 28-year old rabbi
A United Arab Emirates court sentenced three people to death for the killing of Israeli-Moldovan Zvi Kogan, state media reported.
Lori Vallow Daybell trial begins
Lori Vallow Daybell, the "Doomsday mom" sentenced to life in prison for killing her children, is in court for the Arizona trial surrounding her fourth husband's death. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports.
Fugitive wanted over deadly prison escape caught on tropical island
Police arrested a fugitive on the tropical holiday island of Phuket over a deadly prison breakout that freed a notorious drug lord nicknamed "The Fly."
"Narco sub" loaded with 6.5 tons of cocaine seized in Atlantic
Police released video of the operation, showing the vessel loaded with orange packages as well as four suspects with their faces blurred out.
Space
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Space
NASA astronauts discuss extended space trip
NASA astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore are adjusting to life back on Earth after spending more than nine unplanned months in space. The astronauts discussed their science mission at a news conference on Monday from the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Former NASA astronaut Dr. Tom Marshburn joins CBS News to unpack the pair's comments.
Astronauts who were stuck in space say they'd fly on Boeing's spacecraft again
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were stuck in space for more than nine months, took questions after returning to Earth.
SpaceX launch will send civilian crew on first flight around Earth's poles
The international all-civilian Fram2 crew is the first in space history to fly to orbit with no licensed pilot or trained astronaut on board.
First human space mission to orbit both poles
A crypto billionaire and three other novices are set to launch on a mission to orbit both the north and south poles. It will be the first human crewed mission to do so. Mark Strassmann reports.
Rocket carrying European orbital vehicle crashes seconds after liftoff
The unmanned Spectrum rocket, an orbital rocket developed by German start-up Isar Aerospace, crashed and exploded 40 seconds after takeoff.
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Husband pieces together wife's last movements to find out how she was killed
A look into a grieving husband Jan Cilliers' investigative work after his wife Christy Giles and her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales died after a night out.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
NASA astronauts discuss extended space trip
NASA astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore are adjusting to life back on Earth after spending more than nine unplanned months in space. The astronauts discussed their science mission at a news conference on Monday from the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Former NASA astronaut Dr. Tom Marshburn joins CBS News to unpack the pair's comments.
Trump will visit Saudi Arabia in May
President Trump is expected in Saudi Arabia in May as part of his first international trip during his second term in the White House. CBS News' Willie James Inman reports.
Tanker fire in Louisiana
A massive fire in Louisiana may have started after a lightning strike from severe weather that swept through the state. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Americans appear concerned about tariffs
Americans have questions about the impact of President Trump's upcoming tariffs. Colby Smith, a reporter for The New York Times, joins CBS News with more on the worrying sentiments.
Law firms fighting Trump orders
President Trump's executive orders targeting big law firms could cause a chilling effect on the American justice system. Bob Van Nest, a trial lawyer and partner at Keker, Van Nest & Peters, joins CBS News with more on how his firm is planning to fight back.