Way down. Why they are down is puzzling, as homicides seem to be lower everywhere regardless of policing policy, and much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast has been pummeled by crappy weather, but D.C. has only had eleven recorded murders to date*. It is all the more surprising as “assault with dangerous weapon” arrests are up by a third. We also will have to see what spring and summer bring, since that is usually when homicides surge.

Still, it is encouraging, even if it is still too many killings.

*Two of these murders (CCN:25035518 and CCN:23167028) seem to be attributed to other years. I’m not sure if that means there have been only nine murders this year or if this is some kind of data error.