LAS VEGAS – According to a report released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), homicides in the department’s jurisdiction have increased by 6% compared to last year. The report shows that there have been 35 homicides so far this year, with three being deemed “justifiable” and one being an officer-involved shooting. The clearance rate for the cases stands at 71%, with 25 cases cleared and 10 still open.

Out of the 35 homicides, 25 were committed with a firearm, six by sharp trauma, one by asphyxiation and three are still pending. The top causative factor in the homicides was domestic violence, followed by altercations with perceived disrespect.

The Downtown area command of LVMPD had the highest number of homicides with seven, while the Southeast and Spring Valley area commands were tied for second with six homicides each. The Northeast and South Central area commands were tied for third with four homicides each, while the Northwest area command was the only command with zero homicides.

The report also shows that homicides involving victims between the ages of 15 and 19 years old went up by 300% with a total of four. The age range with the highest number of victims was between 40 and 49 years old with a total of 11 homicides.

Out of the 35 homicides, six involved a gang member, making up 17% of all homicides in the first quarter of the year.

January had the highest number of homicides with 16 total, followed by February with 14 homicides and March with five homicides. In comparison, January 2022 had 11 homicides, February 2022 had nine homicides, and March 2022 had 13 homicides.

Credits: 8 News Now

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