Atlanta reaches 100 murders this year, but crime trends are slowing

ATLANTA – Atlanta recorded its 100th murder this year, marking a slower increase in murder rates compared to previous years.

In 2022, the 100th murder occurred on September 23rd. By year's end, Atlanta police had investigated 135 murders, up from 171 in 2021.

This trend is consistent with national patterns.

According to the FBI, violent crime in the United States fell in 2023 after increasing during the pandemic years. Statewide, homicides fell 12%, while rape and aggravated assault cases fell more than 9% and nearly 3%, respectively, compared to 2022.

Local and state officials credit targeted efforts and increased community engagement with the decline in violent crime, a trend they hope will continue in the coming years.