KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For most of 2012, Kansas City, Missouri’s homicide rate was well below last year’s numbers. But a few violent weeks have changed all of that.
On Wednesday night, a homicide near 23rd and Topping marked the city’s 88th homicide of the year, surpassing the 87 the city had on this date in 2010 and 2011. Both years ended with over 100 homicides.
Third District council member Jermaine Reed says that he has been watching the homicide rate, as his district sees more than it’s fair share of deadly violence. He says the cowards who are killing each other need to stop, and people with information need to come forward.
“I’m extremely concerned about the number of homicides, the rate continues to grow rapidly and it is veryimportant that residents stand up, speak up and speak out about these homicides that continue to occur in our community,” said Reed.
But Reed also added that so many times people get caught up in the numbers. Whether it’s number one, number 50 or number 88, each one should matter the same.
“At the end of the day these aren’t just numbers, these are actually peoples lives these are people who are dying senslessly,” said Reed.