In the Numbers: Only Two Random Murders in Fayetteville

Only two of this year's murders involved random victims.

"We are talking about two random killings out of 128,000 people. That's a very small number," Phillip Cannady, the city's interim police chief.

Five of the murders are still unsolved, and a motive is still being investigated in three. In 12 of the cases, the victim knew the suspect. More than one-third of the murders were the result of domestic violence.

Many Fayetteville residents do not understand why the city has a bad rap for crime.

"I feel perfectly safe in Fayetteville," says resident Diane Rogers. "I have lived here for 18 years, and I don't want to go anywhere else."

Chamber of Commerce leaders are constantly working to build a better image in Fayetteville. While one murder is too many, they hope the numbers help change mindsets.

"It should tell us Fayetteville is a great place to live, and you can walk the streets without worry," says the Chamber's Ken Smith.

Murders are up from 1999, when there were just 15 incidents. However, police point out that the population of the city has grown through annexation.