Los Angeles Homicides Drop 20% To 60-Year Low

Los Angeles is on track to record its lowest homicide total in nearly 60 years, with a 20% decline in murders during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The Los Angeles Police Department reported 116 homicides through June 28, down from 152 in 2024, while the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department also noted a significant reduction in homicides in its patrol areas. Mayor Karen Bass credited the decline to comprehensive safety strategies, including targeted law enforcement efforts and community programs such as Gang Reduction and Youth Development zones, which have notably decreased gang-related homicides by over 50% since 2022. Other violent crimes have also declined or remained flat, and City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson emphasized the importance of sustained investments in community violence intervention to continue this progress. Experts suggest that the downward trend in homicides in Los Angeles parallels national patterns, potentially influenced by societal changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. LAPD officials highlighted the effectiveness of focused policing on violent offenders and increased presence during emergencies as key factors contributing to the reduction in violent crime.