NORFOLK, Va. — An analysis of violent crime data in Hampton Roads reflects a drop in the number of homicide cases for 2024 when compared to the same period of time for 2023, mirroring a trend seen at the national level as well.
Between January 1 and August 13, 13News Now has tracked at least 99 homicides across the seven cities encompassing Hampton Roads. This data set includes cases of justified homicide, such as self-defense and deadly officer-involved shootings.
Using the same methods for 2023, Hampton Roads recorded 136 cases over the same time last year. These totals represent a 27% drop in homicide cases over the same timeframe.
Statistics for 2024, as of August 13:
- Norfolk: 23
- Virginia Beach: 11
- Portsmouth: 26
- Newport News: 15
- Hampton: 9
- Chesapeake: 9
- Suffolk: 6
Statistics for 2023, as of August 13:
- Norfolk: 25
- Virginia Beach: 20
- Portsmouth: 26
- Newport News: 26
- Hampton: 26
- Chesapeake: 5
- Suffolk: 9
Five of the seven cities that make up Hampton Roads have so far recorded a decline this year over the same time period. This is a trend that tracks across national statistics, too.
According to a midyear violent crime survey reported, conducted by the Major Cities Chiefs Association, homicides are down more than 600 cases across the country’s biggest population centers. Virginia Beach Police Department data is included in this report.
This comes as national data shows a country-wide decline in other violent crimes such as rape, robbery, and aggravated assault too.