The demographics of our city’s homicide victims are shifting
this year. To date, Kansas City has had 66 homicides in 2013. Only 25 percent
of those victims have been younger than 25. This is very unusual, as young,
black men typically comprise the bulk of our homicide victims. Black men still
make up 61 percent of this year’s homicide victims, but they’re older. Consider
the following statistics from previous years about the percentage of homicide
victims who were younger than 25:
- 41% in 2012
- 33% in 2011
- 48% in 2010
You can see the full break down of year-to-date homicide
statistics here. I don’t have an explanation for why the
city’s homicide victims are getting older, but I do have a little hope. My hope
is the younger generation is beginning to turn the corner – that they’re
valuing life more and staying away from the high-risk lifestyles that lead to
violence. I also hope they’re learning to manage their anger better. Of the
known motives for homicide this year and every year, arguments are No. 1.
I ask for the community to continue building up our city’s
youth. We’re doing everything we can to reduce violence, but police can’t
instill the value of human life in children. That’s up to parents, families,
neighbors, and the faith community. Encourage them to solve their problems
without guns, and direct them on paths that improve their city. Talk about how
important education is. As these pieces fall into place, we will see not just
the homicide rate for youth drop, but fewer slayings overall.
