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Study reveals distinct patterns across single-, multi-, and mass homicides

The study categorizes homicides into single-victim, multi-victim, and mass fatalities, revealing distinct demographics and circumstances. Mass homicides more often involved non-Hispanic White victims and children, whereas single- and multi-victim homicides more often involved NH Black victims and acquaintances or friends as suspects.

SourceElsevier·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2026

Childhood mortality by parental cause of death

A statewide cohort study found childhood mortality is significantly higher among children bereaved by parental drug overdose, homicide, and suicide. Parental homicide was associated with the highest risk of mortality in children, highlighting the need for research into potential explanations such as family restructuring and mental health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 23, 2026

Former DOJ scientists advocate for justice-focused crime research as federal funding faces cuts

Two former Department of Justice scientists argue for transformative crime prevention research prioritizing social justice alongside public safety. They emphasize the need for research incorporating community perspectives and collaborative approaches to prevent harm and promote justice.

SourceRutgers University Newark School of Criminal Justice·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateAug 20, 2025

Rise in gun violence in top U.S. movies parallels growth in gun homicides among young people

A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center found that firearm use in popular US movies increased by 200% from 2000 to 2021, mirroring the rise in firearm homicide rates among young people aged 15-24. The research suggests that portrayal of guns in entertainment may play a role in promoting their use for violent purposes.

Research reveals missed opportunities to save George Floyd’s life

Researchers analyzed 12 videos of bystanders' attempts to intervene during the 2020 George Floyd killing. They found that bystanders made over 205 direct verbal interventions, with most focused on checking George Floyd's well-being. However, police mostly ignored or rejected these interventions, leading to his tragic death.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2025

Police officers fire more shots than civilians in homicides, research shows

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that victims of police shootings were shot far more times than those killed by civilians. The study analyzed data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System and found significant disparities in rates of gun-related crime and police practice across regions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2025

Youth gun homicides doubled during second half of pandemic while adult rates returned to pre-COVID level

A new study finds that firearm homicide rates rose faster among youth than adults during the second half of the pandemic, with adolescent age groups showing no sign of decreasing. Gun violence prevention programs for school-aged children are urgently needed to address this persistent rise in firearm homicide rates.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2025

Amid politically divisive debate on role of U.S. police in violence against Black citizens, AI-aided study of local news finds media criticism of police has not risen or become more partisan over last decade

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers used AI language models and human readers to analyze 1.3 million news excerpts referencing the police in 10 US cities from 2013 to 2023. The study found that local media criticism of police has remained steady, with only small differences in coverage between conservative and libe...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2025

Do area-wide social and environmental factors affect individuals’ risk of cognitive impairment?

Research identified community-level factors that may increase individuals' risk of cognitive impairment. Higher neighborhood disadvantage, air pollution, homicide rates, and less greenspace were associated with elevated odds of mild cognitive impairment. Completing schooling in a Southern US state also linked to increased risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 20, 2024

Even as COVID raged, spikes in homicide were a significant drag on life expectancy for Black men

A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the gap in life expectancies between Black and white men, with homicide rates contributing significantly to this disparity. The analysis revealed that homicides carried a disproportionate impact on life expectancy among young men, particularly Black men.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2024

Gun permits may be more effective than background checks alone at reducing firearm homicides

A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that states with gun permit laws see firearm homicide rates 18% lower than those with universal background check policies alone. Gun permits are associated with decreases in firearm fatalities due to their ability to record lower-level crimes and update criminal databases more consistently.

SourceTufts University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2024

U.S. homicides by firearms concentrated among Black youth before, during, and after the start of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study examining firearm homicide deaths from 2018 to 2022 found that Black 15- to 24-year-olds were disproportionately affected, with a rate of 14 times higher than White individuals. The spike in homicides in 2020 was largely due to firearm injuries, with the largest increases occurring among Black men between 10 and 44 years old.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 23, 2024

Study Shows Stricter Alcohol Policies Are Associated with Reduction in Homicides

A recent statistical analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant association between more restrictive alcohol policy environments and lower homicide rates. The study suggests that adopting stricter policies could lead to a reduction in approximately 1200 homicides annually.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

Americans support democratic norms, elected officials don't

A recent study found that most Americans support democratic norms, with 17.2% of Democrats and 21.6% of Republicans supporting at least one norm violation. However, the researchers also discovered a divide between everyday citizens and elected officials who are pushing against democratic governance.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2024

Permitless open carry laws may lead to more firearm-related suicides

A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that permitless open carry laws in states without such restrictions had a significantly higher rate of firearm-related deaths and total suicides. The researchers suggested that the ease of access to firearms under these laws may be responsible for the increase in suicide rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 11, 2024

The Lancet: Black women in the USA were murdered six times more often than White women between 1999 and 2020, state-level analysis indicates

A recent analysis found that Black women in the USA have significantly higher homicide rates compared to their White peers, with disparities increasing from 1999 to 2020. Gun deaths among Black and White women also increased, with Black women being more likely to be killed by firearms.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2024

After prison, perpetrators of genocide say they’ve changed

A new study reveals that former Rwandan genocide perpetrators who returned to their communities articulating a 'narrative of redemption,' saying they were good people despite past crimes. The researchers found that many received warm welcomes from families and/or their communities, leading to an identity shift and a sense of belonging.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2024