Denver homicides fall, but still exceed pre-pandemic times

Denver's homicide rate dipped in the first half of 2024 versus the same period last year, but still stands well above pre-pandemic levels, per a new report from the Council on Criminal Justice.

Why it matters: The city is still experiencing disturbingly high levels of deadly violence, despite multiple mayors deploying numerous efforts to crack down on crime.

The big picture: The study, released Thursday, analyzed 39 U.S. cities using crime data obtained from online portals of city police departments that provided monthly incident-level figures between January 2018 and June 2024.

• For 29 cities in which homicide data was available, rates were down an average of 2%.

Yes, but: Denver is one of the cities bucking that trend, the report revealed.

By the numbers: Homicides here are up 28% in the first six months of this year compared to 2019. The good news, however, is they've fallen 9% compared to last year.

• The study's figures closely track with a recent Denver Post report that showed the city has recorded 35 people killed in the city between January and June this year compared to 26 in 2019, up 25%.

What they're saying: "I do think there is an opportunity for us to get to pre-pandemic levels," Denver police chief Ron Thomas told the Post. "I still think there are too many guns in the community in the hands of those who shouldn't have them."

Zoom out: Motor vehicle theft in Denver also remains stubbornly high compared to five years ago.

• Although it's 30% lower in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023, it's a whopping 77% higher compared than in 2019, according to the Council on Criminal Justice report.

What we're watching: Earlier this week, Mayor Mike Johnston said his administration intends to make Denver " the safest big city " in the country.

• Whether he can achieve that lofty goal remains a distant dream for now.