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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DHS suspending TSA PreCheck, Global Entry programs amid partial shutdown
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that TSA and Customs and Border Protection "are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts."
Cell phone app, security video critical in helping solve teen's murder
In April 2024, college student Sade Robinson, 19, went on a first date and never came home. Her car was found set on fire 3 miles from her apartment. Using data from an app on her phone, law enforcement began to piece together where she went — and who she was with.
Ex-Army recruiter blamed wife for his demotion. Did he kill her for revenge?
Cati Blauvelt was discovered in an abandoned South Carolina farmhouse in 2016 — a broken knife blade inside her body. Almost immediately, her friends had one suspect in mind: John Blauvelt, her estranged husband, a once-respected Army recruiter.
Records show ICE agent fatally shot U.S. citizen nearly a year ago in Texas
Ruben Ray Martinez was fatally shot in South Padre Island, Texas, in March 2025. ICE's involvement in the shooting was not disclosed until more than 11 months after the shooting.
Kaillie Humphries Armbruster of U.S. wins record-tying sixth Olympic bobsled medal
Kaillie Humphries Armbruster won her sixth career Olympic medal, tying fellow American Elana Meyers Taylor for the most by any woman in bobsled history.
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Trump imposes 10% tariffs on all countries after SCOTUS struck down earlier tariffs
President Trump signed an order that will impose 10% tariffs on imports from all countries, just hours after the Supreme Court struck down a different set of sweeping global tariffs.
Will Americans get refunds after Trump's tariffs were overturned by the Supreme Court?
While the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration's emergency tariffs, experts said it could take years for businesses to get refunds.
Fried rice sold at Trader Joe's recalled over possible glass contamination
The recall involves 3.4 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products shipped to Trader Joe's locations nationwide and to retailers in Canada.
The latest GDP data isn't as bad as it looks. Here's what to know.
A simple reason explains why U.S. economic growth seemed to hit a wall in the final three months of the year.
Walmart and other big companies say tariffs are forcing them to hike prices
Large U.S. retailers say the Trump administration tariffs are forcing them to hike customer prices to offset higher costs.
Politics
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DHS suspending TSA PreCheck, Global Entry programs amid partial shutdown
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that TSA and Customs and Border Protection "are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts."
Records show ICE agent fatally shot U.S. citizen nearly a year ago in Texas
Ruben Ray Martinez was fatally shot in South Padre Island, Texas, in March 2025. ICE's involvement in the shooting was not disclosed until more than 11 months after the shooting.
Trump says he will raise global tariffs to 15% after Supreme Court decision
On Friday, President Trump signed a proclamation that would impose 10% tariffs on most foreign imports to the United States.
House Speaker denies request for Jesse Jackson to lie in honor at Capitol
House Speaker Mike Johnson's office has denied a request to have the late Rev. Jesse Jackson lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to past precedent.
Trump admin. fires top prosecutor in Eastern Virginia shortly after he was hired by judges
The Trump administration fired an interim top prosecutor in Eastern Virginia almost immediately after he was hired by a panel of judges, deepening the conflict between the DOJ and the judiciary in that region.
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HealthWatch
Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
Cop's shortness of breath was the only sign of rare lung disorder
Travis Corbitt's struggles to breathe led to his retirement and reliance on an oxygen tank.
Federal tax dollars subsidize health care plans in ways you may not realize
Critics have questioned why the federal government should underwrite coverage costs for people with ACA health plans — but almost all health insurance in the U.S. comes with some federal help.
NIH's Jay Bhattacharya will also serve as acting CDC director
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn't had a Senate confirmed director since last summer, and that official was in the job for less than a month.
Moderna says FDA to review its flu vaccine after reversing course
With the reversal from the FDA, Moderna said it is aiming to make the vaccine available for the 2026-27 flu season.
World
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Kaillie Humphries Armbruster of U.S. wins record-tying sixth Olympic bobsled medal
Kaillie Humphries Armbruster won her sixth career Olympic medal, tying fellow American Elana Meyers Taylor for the most by any woman in bobsled history.
Jordan Stolz is 4th in the last Olympic speedskating race after winning gold
U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz finished fourth in his last race after winning two golds and a silver.
At least 5 killed, including American, in a string of avalanches in Austria
An American was among the five recovered dead after the avalanche, police said.
U.K. considering removing Andrew from line of royal succession after arrest
The former prince was arrested after revelations about his alleged misconduct in public office emerged in the Epstein files.
Team USA captures record-breaking 11th gold medal at Winter Games
Team USA could add more gold medals to its tally, including on Sunday when the U.S. men's hockey team takes on Team Canada.
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Entertainment
Say She She performs "Under the Sun"
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Under the Sun."
Say She She performs "Cut & Rewind"
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Cut & Rewind."
Say She She performs "Disco Life"
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Disco Life."
Celebrate with Italy's iconic cocktail
The Milan Cortina Winter Games are coming to an end, with the closing ceremony taking place on Sunday. But enjoying a taste of Italy at home is easy with the iconic Aperol spritz. Here's what to know about the famous cocktail.
The best hotels of 2026
The U.S. News and World Report best hotels of 2026 list is full of gorgeous suites and travel inspiration. Here's what to know about the ranking.
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Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
Social psychologist on social media addiction
One of the catalysts for the social media addiction debate was a 2024 book called "The Anxious Generation" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. His new book tries to help parents and kids break free from screens. Haidt joins CBS News to discuss Mark Zuckerberg, the ongoing social media addiction trial and artificial intelligence.
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.
Judge scolds Mark Zuckerberg's team for wearing Meta glasses to trial
A Los Angeles judge ordered Meta officials to remove their AI glasses at a trial over the impact of social media on users.
Mark Zuckerberg grilled in court
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand at the social media addiction trial examining whether children and teens were given access to an addictive and harmful product. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Science
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In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Crime
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Cell phone app, security video critical in helping solve teen's murder
In April 2024, college student Sade Robinson, 19, went on a first date and never came home. Her car was found set on fire 3 miles from her apartment. Using data from an app on her phone, law enforcement began to piece together where she went — and who she was with.
Ex-Army recruiter blamed wife for his demotion. Did he kill her for revenge?
Cati Blauvelt was discovered in an abandoned South Carolina farmhouse in 2016 — a broken knife blade inside her body. Almost immediately, her friends had one suspect in mind: John Blauvelt, her estranged husband, a once-respected Army recruiter.
Former "American Idol" contestant charged in wife's murder in Ohio
Caleb Flynn, 37, appeared in season 12 of "American Idol." He was arrested by Tipp City police last week and charged with murder, assault and tampering with evidence.
3 men suspected of shipping opium poppy to the U.S. arrested in Spain
Police in Spain seized a stash of about 1,161 pounds of Papaver somniferum, also known as opium poppy.
New Mexico AG reopens Epstein ranch probe
New Mexico's attorney general has reopened an investigation into activities at a ranch once owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News correspondent Ian Lee has more.
Space
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NASA's moon rocket hit by new problem, flight pushed to April
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
Report criticizes NASA Boeing Starliner trip
An internal investigation is blasting NASA's handling of the first piloted flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 2024. The flight left two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station for nearly a year. The investigation found the flight was plagued by potentially life-threatening technical and management failures.
Cosmologist on UFO files
President Trump has ordered the release of all government documents related to aliens, UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It comes after former President Barack Obama addressed the topic earlier this week and said aliens are real, a statement which he later modified. CBS News contributor Janna Levin has more details.
NASA targets March 6 for Artemis II moonshot
A successful fueling test prompts NASA to press ahead toward a March 6 moonshot.
New NASA boss criticizes agency over Starliner
NASA's new boss blasted both Boeing and his own space agency for the botched Starliner flight that left two astronauts stuck in space for months.
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Sade Robinson and The Secret Beach
A teenage girl goes missing. Will evidence on a secluded beach reveal what happened? "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green reports.
Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
Team USA sets a Winter Olympics gold medals record
Team USA on Saturday soared to its eleventh gold medal when Connor Curran and Chris Lillis won the mixed team aerials title. In the process, the U.S. set a record for its most gold medals at a Winter Olympics with 11. On the final day of the Games, Sunday, the U.S. can add to its count when the men's hockey team faces off against Canada in the much-anticipated gold medal game. Seth Doan has the latest on all the action.
Cati Blauvelt: Death of a Soldier's Wife
A soldier goes on the run after his wife is murdered. With him, his 17-year-old girlfriend. What does she know? "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports.
Details on investigation into former Prince Andrew
Former Prince Andrew's arrest in connection with the Epstein files was still making waves in the U.K. on Saturday, as the police investigation was widening. Elizabeth Palmer has more details.