3 days ago
Columbus murders down by nearly 50% compared to this time last year
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — According to statistics from the Columbus Police Department (CPD), local murders are down by nearly 50% compared to this time last year.
The Part 1 Crimes Report, last released on May 27, shows eight murders have happened in Columbus since Jan. 1.
With the addition of another murder in the parking lot of the American Legion off Cusseta Road on Monday, June 2, that makes nine for the year so far.
This is a marked decline, compared to 16 murders locally between Jan. 1 and May 27 of 2024, according to the Part 1 Crimes Report.
'The downward trend in murders compared to this time last year is progress, but one is still too many,' Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis said.
He credited the decline to increased manpower in targeted areas, use of CPD's Real Time Crime Center and efforts to build trust between police and the community.
'These strategies are helping us get ahead of crime instead of just reacting to it,' Mathis said.
Early intervention and prevention are essential according to Mathis, since many cases involve people who already know each other.
'We're making strides, but the work continues,' Mathis said.
Robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, larceny and auto theft are also in decline.
The only increase listed in the most recent Part 1 Crimes report is rape, with 21 incidents compared to 15 this time last year.
To view the latest version of CPD's Part 1 Crimes Report, updated weekly, click here. The full statement provided to WRBL by Mathis is viewable below.
Full statement by Chief Stoney Mathis:
'The downward trend in murders compared to last year is progress, but one is still too many.
We've increased manpower where it's needed most, put modern technology like our Real Time Crime Center to work, and stayed focused on building trust through community policing. These strategies are helping us get ahead of crime instead of just reacting to it.
While there's no single trend, many cases involve people who know each other. That's why early intervention and prevention remain a top priority. We're making strides, but the work continues.'
Stoney Mathis, Columbus Police Chief
Part 1 Crime Statistics as of May 27, 2025:
Part 1 Crimes
Jan. 1 – May 27, 2025
Jan. 1 – May 27, 2024
Murder
8
16
Rape
21
15
Robbery
63
81
Aggravated Assault
175
338
Burglary
205
297
Larceny
1,611
2,195
Theft by taking (MV)
239
269
Part 1 Crime Total
2,322
3,211
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