Milwaukee has once again hit a grim milestone, reaching 100 homicides before the end of September, marking the third consecutive year the city has faced triple-digit killings. This troubling pattern highlights the ongoing struggles with gun violence and crime in the city. 

The most recent homicide occurred on Monday around 3:30 p.m. on the 1400 block of West Locust Street. According to Milwaukee police, a 51-year-old man was arrested after fatally shooting a 17-year-old male. The incident reportedly began when shots were fired from a vehicle, prompting the man to return fire, striking the teen. The vehicle, containing two other individuals, fled the scene but crashed a few blocks away near the bridge over Interstate 43. Police arrested a 20-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl who were also in the vehicle.

As of Monday, Milwaukee has recorded 100 homicides, slightly lower than this time in 2023, when the city had 127 homicides by late September. In 2022, the number was even higher, with 160 homicides by the year’s end. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office also reports that there have been 121 homicides across the county so far in 2024.

The demographics surrounding Milwaukee’s homicides offer a sobering insight into the patterns of violence. In terms of age, victims are predominantly young adults, with 33% aged 18 to 29, and another 15% between the ages of 10 and 17. Children under 9 account for 3% of victims, while those aged 30 to 39 make up 17%, and 50+ individuals account for 12%.

In terms of cause of death, gun violence overwhelmingly dominates, with 79% of homicides resulting from shootings. Stabbings account for 6%, while abuse and beatings each account for 1%, and other causes contribute to 14%.

Race also plays a significant role in the city’s homicide data. Black residents make up 72% of homicide victims, followed by 12% Hispanic, 6% White, and 9% classified as Other. Asian victims remain at 0%, with no unknown racial data reported.

Men are disproportionately affected by the violence, making up 82% of victims, while women account for 16%.

As Milwaukee grapples with ongoing gun violence, charges have been filed in only 44% of cases, leaving 56% unresolved.

Milwaukee’s three-year trend of exceeding 100 homicides signals while homicides are decreasing year over year, Milwaukee is still a city accustomed to triple digit murders.