Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland, experienced a sharp increase in homicides in 2023, according to police data. The rise in killings was partially driven by a triple homicide that occurred in June, which had a significant impact on the city. In contrast, Anne Arundel County, which encompasses Annapolis, had the fewest number of homicides since the start of the COVID pandemic.
Last year, nine people were killed in Annapolis, a significant increase from the one homicide reported in 2022 and the highest number since 2016. As of this week, the Annapolis Police had arrested suspects in seven of the killings. Meanwhile, Anne Arundel County Police, responsible for investigating crimes outside the city limits, reported 12 homicides, the lowest number since 2020. The department has made arrests in five cases, with four others closed due to the death of the perpetrators.
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Several high-profile killings occurred in both the city and the county last year. In May, a man shot his wife and another man at the Annapolis Town Center before taking his own life. Two weeks later, a father of three was beaten to death in his front yard. The most notorious incident took place on June 11 when a 43-year-old Army veteran shot and killed three Hispanic men during a parking dispute, drawing national news coverage. The incident was the deadliest act of violence in Annapolis in several years.
Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson noted the difficulty in policing against such incidents, stating that no agency could have predicted or prevented them. Despite the surge in homicides, both the city and county recorded fewer killings in the last months of the year. Annapolis Police investigated only one more killing after July, while Anne Arundel Police reported three homicides after investigating nine in a five-month period. No homicides were reported after November 1.
Law enforcement agencies have made significant progress in solving the cases. Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal E. Awad praised the diligence and tenacity of the homicide detectives, with a 72% case closure rate. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the proliferation of handguns among young individuals, leading to deadly disputes.
To combat the rising violence, city officials implemented a summer crime plan to increase police presence, serve warrants, and locate firearms. Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson hopes to continue these efforts in the new year and has requested additional resources and cameras in his proposed budget.
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The spike in homicides has sparked concern and calls for action within the Annapolis community. Police continue to seek leads and information regarding unsolved cases, particularly those involving teenagers. The city and county aim to address the issue of gun violence and work towards creating safer communities in the future.
