Chicago saw a drop in homicides last month, strengthening a trend that may send the dubious title of nation’s murder capital to another city this year.
In 2001, Chicago led the nation with 666 homicides. There have been 541 murders through October, 11 fewer than at this time last year, according to Chicago Police Department statistics released Wednesday.
Through September, the city was ahead of its 2001 pace by four murders. But with a drop-off in October–there were 54 murders last month compared with 65 in September–Chicago is now on pace to have fewer murders than last year. Of the murders so far this year, 80 percent were from gunshot wounds, and 49 percent of murders with known motivations were the result of gang or narcotics disputes.
Los Angeles leads the nation with 570 murders through Saturday.
