CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Homicides in the city of Charlotte are up this year. Data from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department shows that homicides are up 31% so far this year compared to last year. As we are in the summer, many are worried that the trend will continue.
THE QUESTION:
Do violent crimes rise during the summer months?
THE ANSWER:
Yes, violent crimes do rise during the summer months.
OUR SOURCES:
- Data from CMPD tracking violent crime
- Mark Raley, Founder of Young Men United and coordinator for Mothers of Murdered Offspring (MOM-O)
- Dr. David Jacobs, Atrium Health Trauma Surgeon
WHAT WE FOUND:
As the sun rises in the Queen City, another summer day brings the heat. Children are outside to play, picnic, and have fun.
However, for some, the summertime brings with it much sadness.
"The grief is always there," Raley said. "It's scary because you never know if the day is going to turn."
As a mentor for youth, Raley has seen violence take kids in front of the gun and behind it. He said during the summer it's worse.
"People are out more in the night time, so a lot of crime happens," he said.
Raley is trying to save kids, working on boosting their mental health.
"I try to help them make the right choices the right choices. That one bad choice can cause devastation for your life forever," he said.
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Dr. Jacobs, meanwhile, is in the operating room trying to save them as well. He said the summer months bring in more patients for him and his colleagues at Atrium Health.
"We do see more gunshot wounds and stab wounds and what we call blunt assault in the months of June, July and August," he said. "They are more active, there are more daylight hours -- maybe partially the reason for this, but probably doesn't explain everything."
CMPD data from 2020 through 2023 does show that violent crime spikes during the summer months. That includes homicide, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, and non-fatal gunshot injuries. Most of the violent crimes spike in July in particular.
Raley said it doesn't have to be that way, and that his neighbors can help step up and help provide positive outlets for youth.
"I truly do believe it takes a world, not a village, to stop this crime that is happening across our nation," he said.
If you'd like to help or recommend someone for mentorship programs in the Charlotte area, click or tap here.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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