News Summary
Boston has reached 24 homicides by mid-August, matching 2024’s total for the entire year, and reflecting a notable increase from 12 last year. This rise in homicides contrasts with a nearly 10% decrease in overall violent crime and a 3% drop in property crimes. The city’s police highlight a troubling trend in certain districts, while community members stress the importance of public safety measures amidst ongoing challenges. Despite these statistics, the perception of safety within Boston remains upheld.
Boston Reports 24 Homicides by Mid-August, Matching Total for 2024
Boston has recorded 24 homicides as of August 13, 2025, a figure that ties the total number of violent deaths reported throughout the entirety of 2024. This year’s homicide count reflects a significant increase from just 12 homicides reported by the same time last year.
Despite the rise in murders, the overall violent crime rate in Boston has decreased by nearly 10 percent compared to the same period last year. Property crimes have also diminished by 3 percent, illustrating that while homicides are on the rise, other forms of violent crime appear to be declining.
Details and Statistics
Notably, three of the homicides recorded in 2025 were verified recently, despite the victims being killed in earlier years. In 2024, the city set a record with just 24 homicides, the lowest number seen in nearly seven decades. Moreover, non-fatal shootings and gun violence have declined, with non-fatal shooting victims falling by 14 percent this year from 74 last year to 60 this year.
Upon analysis, a total of 64 shootings, including both fatal and non-fatal incidents, have occurred in Boston this year, down from 67 at this time last year. Nevertheless, the police districts of B-2 (Roxbury) and B-3 (Mattapan and parts of Dorchester) have reported a concerning increase in homicides, totaling 13 this year compared to 5 last year. In District D-14 (Allston and Brighton), 2 homicides were reported compared to none in 2024.
Community Insights and Responses
Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox commented on the recent rise in homicides, labeling it as troubling, yet he remains focused on the goal of reducing murders in the city to zero. He emphasized that the increase in homicides does not detract from the overall perception of safety in the community.
Community advocates have acknowledged the city’s overall safety but expressed concern regarding the uptick in homicides. Some attribute this increase to the decline in social programs and the psychological impact of immigration policies during the previous presidential administration.
Boston City Councilor Brian J. Worrell highlighted ongoing concerns surrounding homicides and gun violence, asserting that there is always more work necessary to enhance public safety. He advocates for greater community involvement, urging families and friends to take proactive steps in addressing violence.
Broader Context
Comparing current crime rates to the past, Commissioner Cox nostalgically recalls a time of heightened violence in Boston during his childhood, contrasting it with today’s generally improved conditions where each neighborhood is considered safe. The fluctuation in homicide data indicates a complex landscape of crime over time rather than signaling a resurgence of the high-crime eras that once plagued the city.
As the City of Boston navigates these challenges, the homicide statistics serve as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of crime in the area, revealing both areas of concern and progress. The city remains committed to enhancing public safety while fostering community involvement and support in addressing the underlying causes of violence.
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Additional Resources
- Axios: Boston Homicides Increase
- Wikipedia: Crime in Boston
- Boston Globe: Boston Homicides and Crime Rates 2025
- Google Search: Boston Crime Rates
- MassLive: Law Order and Political Theater in Boston
- Google Scholar: Boston Homicide Rates
- NBC Boston: Unsolved Homicide Cases Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Boston.com: Boston Records Lowest Murder Rate Since 1957
- Google News: Boston Murders
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
