Durham's homicide rate soars ahead of police chief's crime presentation to city leaders

There has been an increase in the number of homicides in Durham during the first quarter of this year compared to the same timespan in 2022.

In the first three months of 2023, Durham police data shows 14 people have died from homicides. It’s up from 11 people killed in the first quarter of last year.

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews is due to present the city’s first quarter crime report before the Durham City Council on Thursday.

So far this year, 17 people were murdered in Durham. It includes four of the victims younger than the age of 18.

“It takes every strength in my body to get up every morning, and it’s going on 18 years now,” Sheryl Smith said of losing her son.

Smith now serves as an anti-violence activist after son was killed in 2005 in a drive-by shooting. She worries for other mothers as she sees the murder rate climbing.

“Just imagine waking up every morning, going into your child's room, and they're not there,” Smith said. “Just imagine going every day the rest of your life not being able to see your child except visit them at the cemetery.”

As of May 13, Durham police shows homicides are up 13% year over year.

In the first three months of the year, murders in Durham were up 27% compared to the year before. Also, Durham first responders had an average response time of six minutes and 38 seconds. Their goal is five minutes and 48 seconds.

Staffing challenges persist with 20% of sworn positions vacant.

“I don't blame our police department,” Smith said. “They are short of help. What can they do?”

Smith believes gangs are a big part of the increase. She thinks it's up to city leaders and community members to offer more alternatives for kids, so no others must endure, what she has.

“It was my baby,” Smith said. “That was my world, and just like these other families that are losing their children, that's their world.

Although the murder rate in the first quarter of the year was up, violent crime overall was down by about 11 %.

Also, Durham solved about 80% of the murders.