Indianapolis breaks annual homicide record over weekend

Indianapolis broke its annual homicide record Saturday morning, with 246 deaths. Police reported another death Sunday, bringing the total to 247.

This number includes non-criminal homicides, which are killings that do not result in criminal charges. Last year, the city saw 245 homicides in total.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor said other cities across the country have seen higher homicide rates as well.

“In my conversations with other chiefs, from other large departments, you realize that it boils down to people for whatever reason are making very poor decisions and deciding to solve their problems with violence, whether that’s with a gun or a knife,” Taylor said.

The majority of this year’s homicides are still classified as unsolved. Taylor said some people are reluctant to share information with the police.

“I understand there's a lot to take in and people are somewhat concerned with retaliation and all those kinds of things. But I would say give us an opportunity to take care of you,” he said.

A record $295 million was allocated for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in the recently approved 2022 city budget. The funding includes money for new technology and more officers for community patrols.

Contact WFYI criminal justice reporter Katrina Pross at kpross@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @katrina_pross.

Pross is a Corps Member of Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project.