Crime report shows sharp rise of Durham shooting deaths and injuries compared to first quarter last year

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — As city officials work to find solutions to the series of crimes in Durham, a new report comparing violent crime through the start of the year reveals more shooting injuries and deaths.

A new report from the Durham Police Department showed that there were 44.4% more homicides between January and March of this year compared to last year. Deadly shootings over the same period doubled, with 10 this year compared to five last year in the same three-month period, according to the Durham police report.

There was also a 57.7% increase in Durham non-fatal shooting victims in the report, where 41 people were reported to have gunshot wounds between January and March this year, as opposed to 26 victims last year.

Other violent crime rates have increased, except robbery, which declined by 26.2% when compared to last year. There have been 43 rape investigations reported between January and March of this year, compared to 34 last year, a 26.5% increase, according to the report.

More Durham aggravated assaults were reported as well, a 14.8% increase between this year and last year.

The new report included a map that showed clusters of shootings reported in parts of Durham.

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams has taken on the challenge to fight violent crime as he zeroed in on public safety during his State of the City address in April. He advocated the need for community help while highlighting things that the city has done to combat crime.

“We’re already punching above our weight,” said Williams. “Imagine what we could do if we would all get on the same page.”

He spoke very candidly about how acts of crime impact him.

“The people doing the shooting and the people mostly getting shot, they look like me,” Williams said. “It’s not just policy. It’s pain that I refuse to become numb to, and that is why I refuse to give up.”

City officials are working to find a new police chief in Durham after Patrice Andrews stepped down in April. Deputy Chief Walter Tate is now serving as interim chief.

According to the city, the Durham City Council will meet on Thursday in a work session to discuss the full crime report.