Baltimore County Homicides, Non-fatal Shootings Down in 2023

Greg Ng

WBALTV.COM

January 4, 2024

Homicides down almost 15% year over year in Baltimore County

TOWSON, Md. —

Baltimore County marked declines in homicides and nonfatal shootings in 2023, county government announced Thursday.

At year’s end, Baltimore County recorded 29 homicides, which is down almost 15% year over year and down 47% compared to 2021.

Baltimore County also experienced a more than 14% decrease in non-fatal shootings in 2023 compared to 2022.

“I think it’s an all-hands-on-deck approach where we are investing in both our police department and the men and women of the department, investing in salaries, equipment and training. We’re also investing upstream with things like recreation and parks and Youth Summer Works,” Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said.

In a statement, Olszewski thanked county police officers.

“Moving forward, we will continue to innovate our crime-fighting strategies, focus on emerging trends and do whatever is necessary to ensure Baltimore County remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family,” Olszewski said.

The Baltimore County Police Department said detectives have cleared 69% of homicide cases to date, exceeding national clearance rates that average at about 50% as of 2020.

“Our detectives’ steadfast commitment to upholding justice, coupled with our residents’ trust and support, has led to the successful apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for committing these crimes,” Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said in a statement.

“Strong police work leads to solid convictions and our office remains focused on addressing the cases the Baltimore County Police Department presents to my office every day so we can keep violent criminals off our streets,” Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger said in a statement.

The county said its 2023 homicide rate per capita was 3.42 per 100,000 residents. By comparison, the state of Maryland’s 2022 per capita homicide rate was more than 8.5 per 100,000 residents.