North Gwinnett News

Atlanta Police Department (APD) Chief Rodney Bryant and other senior department officials recently addressed the city's high homicide rate and the factors that have contributed to its rise. 

As of mid-February, Atlanta police reported a 41% increase in homicides when compared to 2021, with 24 confirmed homicides in the city, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

"We see victims from all walks of life: financially, race, different cities, states," APD Major Carlo Peek said to FOX 5.

According to Bryant, crime had decreased in every category except homicide at the start of this year.

Bryant said that in the majority of recent homicides, the victim and suspect were acquainted with each other.

"It's very typical of what we saw last year," Bryant said to FOX 5. "The individuals tend to have some type of relationship, and the primary reason we are seeing is escalating argument."

These homicides were carried out by people who were unable to control their emotions during conflict, according to police.

"Thirty-three percent of our homicides are attributed to escalating disputes," Lt. Ralph Woolfolk, APD homicide commander, said.

APD officials said that firearms were used in 90% of the killings, and most of the handguns were stolen from vehicles or homes, according to FOX 5.

"My plea, again, is if you are going to be a gun owner, be a responsible gun owner," APD Deputy Chief Charles Hampton said to FOX 5. "Lock it up. Take the necessary precautions and help us."

Approximately half of these cases have resulted in arrests by homicide detectives, FOX 5 said, who are working diligently to provide closure to the families of the victims.