A Detailed Report on California Homicides:

In a report just released, the California Department of Justice reported that there were 1,861 homicides in 2015. Although the number of killings has fallen 25 percent in the past decade, the number of homicides reflects a 10 percent increase over the previous year (see Penal Code 187 for Murder).

Authorities reported notable statistics about the homicides. For instance, 29 percent of 2015 killings with known motives were related to gang violence, and more than 70 percent of killings were committed with a firearm- usually a handgun. Latino and black victims of homicide were typically between the age of 18 and 29 years old, whereas white victims tended to be older, with 56 percent of victims over 40 years old. More than 50 percent of those arrested on suspicion of murder were between 18 and 29 years old. Research also found that 38 percent of male victims were slain by strangers, and 25 percent of female victims were slain by their spouse. Additionally, 25 percent of all female victims were slain in their homes.

The homicide rate in the SF Bay Area increased 14 percent in 2016. San Jose in particular saw a total of 47 homicides, which is the highest number of killings in that city since 1991. In 2016, San Jose had the third most homicides in the SF Bay Area (47), behind San Francisco (58) and Oakland (85).

For additional information see:

• California Department of Justice report: Homicide in California
• San Francisco Chronicle: Who Get's Killed And Why
• San Francisco Chronicle: Urban Killings In Bay Area Rise For 2nd Year In a Row