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Milwaukee Homicides Rose in 2025 Even as Violent Crime Declined

Officials pivot to prevention alongside a push for tougher state gun laws.

Overview

  • Police counted 142 homicides in 2025, up 10 from 2024 even as nonfatal shootings and carjackings fell.
  • Firearms were used in 126 of the killings, representing 89% of cases, according to Chief Jeffrey Norman.
  • More than half of the killings occurred in homes, vehicles or businesses, with 32% tied to conflicts and 18% to domestic violence.
  • Juvenile homicide suspects rose 57% year over year, with the youngest suspect reported at 13.
  • The department reported an 87% clearance rate for 2025 homicides, and officers have already opened two homicide investigations in early 2026.