Report Indicates Decline In Homicides

Sacramento, CA — The Attorney General´s Office is reporting a reduction in statewide homicides.

Bill Lockyer released the California Department of Justice´s annual homicide report for 2004 today.

The numbers are showing a 3% decrease from the previous year, and a total of almost 41% over the past ten years. The report also indicates that nearly 60% of those arrested in homicide cases last year were between the ages of 18 and 29, which comprises about one-fifth of the state´s adult population.

The report shows that in nearly half of California homicides last year, the victim knew the perpetrator.

The numbers also indicate that most homicides of males were gang related, while most females killed were victims of domestic violence.

The report can be accessed here.