Detroit Violent Crime Drops, On Pace For Fewest Homicides Since 1966

DETROIT — Violent crime in Detroit is down.

Data through Nov. 30 compared to the first 11 months in 2022 shows homicides down 18 percent, non-fatal shootings down 13 percent and carjackings down 36 percent, according to city officials.

So far in 2023 in Detroit, officials said there have been 228 homicides, which is on track to be the fewest since 1966.

Officials believe the credit for the year-over-year drop goes to a gun violence reduction coalition that was put together in 2021 as violent crime increased nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group includes Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, Detroit Chief James White, Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington, Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington, numerous judges and law enforcement agents.

The group focused on clearing thousands of gun felony cases that were backed up in Wayne County Circuit Court and Detroit's 36th District court due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were more than 4,000 felony gun cases pending trial in Wayne County Circuit Court in January 2022, according to the data. Data shows that number has now dropped 67 percent. The number also includes an 80 percent reduction of felony gun cases backlogged in 36th District Court.

"We are seeing record drops in gun violence in Detroit because every single part of the criminal justice system is getting past Covid obstacles and is now working again," Duggan said. "I have never seen such a high level of cooperation."