COLUMBUS, Ohio — The number of homicides in Columbus so far this year is down from this time last year.
This year there have been 14 homicides in the city. At this time last year, there were 30 homicides. These are the lowest homicide numbers in Columbus since at least 2017.
Eight of the homicide cases this year are considered solved, and there are still six active investigations.
The Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children began an initiative this year to have the number of homicides in the city stay under triple digits.
Council President Shannon Hardin said the city’s top priority is public safety.
Hardin said for the upcoming budget, the council approved $756 million to go towards safety.
He’s said he's proud of the work that the Columbus Division of Police has been doing and said their work is showing through the lower numbers.
“These things don’t happen by happenstance. Also, our solve rate is the highest it's ever been. We are thinking we are moving in the right direction and keeping our communities safe, but one death is too many,” said Hardin.
Hardin also said he believes everyone in the community plays a vital role in keeping crime numbers low.