How Chicago Homicides In 2017 Stack Up Against Years Past

In 2016, a surge in violence left 815 people dead. But you don’t have to look too far into the past to see just how drastic the surge has been.

By Lakeidra Chavis

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Police tape — Crime scene tape surrounds a home on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Chicago. Police said they believe six family members found dead in their southwest side home were killed in a “targeted incident,” though they’re still trying to determine a possible motive. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

In the early ’90s, cities across the United States saw historic homicide totals. In Chicago, nearly 1,000 people were killed every year. In New York, that number was twice as high.

Then came a steady decline in killings across the country. And Chicago was no different — until last year.

In 2016, a surge in violence left 815 people dead. And this year looks almost as bad. But you don’t have to look too far into the past to see just how drastic the surge has been. In fact, by Aug. 16, Chicago had as many homicides as it did in all of 2011.

That means for the second year in a row the city is on pace to see a level of carnage not regularly reported since the early ’90s.

Lakeidra Chavis is a WBEZ producer. Follow her @lakiedrachavis.