New data shows there have been 47% more killings in Cleveland so far this year than at this time in 2019

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - 19 Investigates discovered an alarming and deadly trend in Cleveland.

The number of killings in the city so far this year, far surpass last year’s numbers.

Just a few weeks ago, right before Mayor Frank Jackson’s state of the city speech, 19 Investigates told you about citizen concern that homicides were up 30% from last year.

Now, just two and a half weeks since our story, that margin is even wider.

When we pressed the mayor on Oct. 9, the day after he barely addressed the increase in his speech, he said he’s not bothered by people who think he’s not tough enough on crime.

He said Cleveland’s just seeing the same trend as the country-- an uptick in violence.

“We’re attempting to address it, but there is a significant uptick in crime, in Cleveland and across the country,” he said. “There’s no immediate solution. I think that’s a part of our overall atmosphere of the country right now."

Since that interview, more cases have been logged as homicides, resulting in data that shows we’ve had 47% more killings this year, than at this time in 2019.

The latest homicides happened outside of a bar in the flats called the Lotus Lounge, where we’ve reported problems before. And another took place after a fight at an after-hours bar in Cleveland.

We reached out to the city about the latest increase.

A spokesperson sent us the following statement:

“The City of Cleveland, Division of Police continues to work each day to combat violent crime in our neighborhoods. In partnering with outside law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels on various task forces and programs, including Operation Legend, we are able to bring many criminals to justice. Nationally, violent crime remains on the rise. The public is the eyes and ears of law enforcement and investigators continue to ask that if you see something, say something. Report criminal activity to law enforcement, or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 256-25-CRIME.”

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