Tucson’s homicide rate continues to climb

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – Tucson is experiencing a surge in homicides. This deadly trend can also be seen in major cities across the country.

“We’ve had about 35 murders so far this year,” said Lt. Corey Doggett, the violent crime commander of the Tucson Police Department (TPD). “That is eleven more than in the same period last year.”

Lt. Doggett says last year’s numbers are also up from 2019.

“We could beat 80 to 100 [homicides in 2021] if the trend continues, ”he said.

These violent crimes have far-reaching implications, according to Homicide Survivors’ executive director James Gierke.

“On average, ten direct family members are affected by each murder,” said Gierke.

His non-profit organization offers legal, financial and emotional support.

“To date, we have recorded an increase in inquiries for our services of over 80%,” said Gierke.

That’s 280 new customers since January 1st, 2021. That’s why Homicide Survivors urgently needs donations.

So what’s causing Tucson’s surge in cases?

“This question is difficult to answer because the motivations that lead a person to commit murder are obviously not always explained by an investigation, even an arrest,” said Lt. Doggett.

Lt. Doggett believes population density could be a factor. However, he says it’s hard to tell if the pandemic played a role in the homicide rate.

Gierke says the pandemic has undoubtedly caused further damage to grieving families.

“Access to resources is impaired,” said Gierke. “The courts were closed because of COVID. So there is a significant backlog in cases. Before COVID, it would take an average of 2 years to prosecute a homicide. At the moment we have no idea what these time frames might look like. “

The increase in the number of cases coupled with a shortage of staff has required a reallocation of resources. Robbery and Assault Officers are now helping with murders. The Tucson Police Department has also stepped up patrols in high-crime areas.

“They are trying to focus on both these and the – I use the term ‘bad actors’ – to try to identify these people in order to prevent the violence from escalating,” said Lt. Doggett.

At more than 80%, the TPD is above the national “clear-up rate” of homicides (essentially solved murders).

“I love Tucson and I believe it is a safe city,” said Lt. Doggett. “But we have bad actors.”

He says the community is key to closing cases. Installing security cameras in homes and businesses is one way to help.

“If we can give our community an anonymous tip – even if they are not directly with us when it comes to 88-CRIME – that information is invaluable,” said Lt. Doggett.

Here is a list of unsolved murders this year:

Until June 16, no arrest was made in the fatal May 31st shooting on West Ohio Street. TPD is seeking help from the public in identifying the suspect. LINK: https://tucsonne.ws/2RYla6S

As of June 16, no charges were brought against the fatal shooting at 5950 South Park Avenue on May 16. Andres Joseph Mori, 36, was shot dead after getting into a physical altercation with neighbors. LINK: https://tucsonne.ws/3ouvjUH

As of June 16, we await an arrest in a murder in Kennedy Park on April 13. The police are asking for information on the case. LINK: https://tucsonne.ws/3sf28F7

As of June 16, TPD will consider the double fatal shootout at South Forgeus on March 10 an “open case”. Anyone who has information is asked to get in touch. LINK: https://tucsonne.ws/3t5EmMB

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) saw a decrease in homicides, of 7 this year compared to 9 at the same time last year.

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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