Homicides Drop by Double Digits for Second Year Straight in Jackson, but Rate of Killings Still Ranks Highest in Nation

The year 2023 ends with statistics that almost seem to contradict each other: killings in Jackson have dropped by double digits for two years straight, but the city still tops every other major city in the nation when it comes to the rate of killings per capita.

The Capital City saw 118 killings last year, most of which were handled by JPD (109).

Capitol Police investigated eight homicides, and Jackson State’s police department handled one killing.

The total represents a nearly 15 percent drop over the previous year; in 2022, homicides dropped by 13.7 percent.

JPD Chief Joseph Wade isn’t satisfied.

“That shows progress, but it’s nothing that I’m proud of because that signifies that we had 109 people that lost their life here in the city of Jackson. That’s never going to be acceptable,” Wade said.

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