Crime & Public Safety
Crime & Public Safety

Atlanta murder rate down 25 percent

Atlanta’s murder rate is down 25 percent since new police chief Erika Shields took over at the beginning of the year.

Credit: WSB-TV WSB-TV

Credit: WSB-TV WSB-TV

Atlanta’s murder rate is down 25 percent since new police chief Erika Shields took over at the beginning of the year.
By Christian Boone and Nelson Helm
Nov 1, 2017


A troubling trend appears all but certain to end as Atlanta's homicide rate remains far behind 2016.

Through October 21, the city has recorded 66 homicides -- 22 fewer murders than at this same point a year ago. 

Atlanta had seen an increase in murders for three consecutive years coming into 2017. The city recorded 111 murders in 2016— the first time since 2008 the city’s homicide rate topped the century mark.

To learn more visit the AJC's interactive, which looks at the victim's of homicides in Atlanta this year.

About the Authors

A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.

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Nelson Helm
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