RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- As Richmonders look ahead to the new year we are looking back at some of the crime numbers across our area.
South of the James River in Chesterfield, police investigated 10 homicides in 2012. The year before, eight murders were recorded in the county. In 2010, police investigated the killing of 10 people.
North of the city in Hanover County, sheriff’s deputies responded to four homicides last year. In 2011, two people died as the result of homicide. Three years ago deputies responded to just one killing.
In Henrico County homicide investigators worked 12 homicides last year. Eleven the year before. In 2010, a dozen people lost their lives as a result of murder.
In Petersburg, the murder rate was cut in half in just three years. From 12 killings in 2010 to six in 2011 and just five last year.
Within the Richmond city limits the year 2012 saw 42 homicides. Thirty-nine killings were recorded two years ago. In 2010, Richmond homicide investigators were called to the scene 43 times.
Overall, when taking a look at the last decade Richmond’s murder rate has dropped dramatically. Last year 42 people died as a result of a homicide. In 2000, the number was nearly double at 83. The lowest number of murders in Richmond during the 11-year span was recorded in 2008 when 31 people were homicide victims.
At one time Richmond was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the US. In 1994 Richmond recorded 160 murders. Last year that number was 42.
Richmond Police said they planned to comment on the murder rate after crunching the numbers in the coming days.
