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New Orleans goes 18 days without a murder; crime experts say it is the longest period in years

Crime experts report that New Orleans has not had a murder in 18 days. Just two years ago, New Orleans was considered the murder capital of the United States. Today, experts say we are leading the nation in crime reduction. The Metropolitan Crime Commission said this is the longest period without a murder since it began tracking homicides in 2019. Rafael Goyeneche said, “Nobody is declaring victory and saying we can go home and celebrate. We've had some stretches where we've had 10, 12 and 15 days, but never 18.” Goyeneche said an increase in proactive policing, a stronger state police presence, and more arrests and traffic stops are all contributing factors. Ward Representative Sess 4-5 said, “I think a lot of people in this city are affected by crime. And a lot of that crime is economic, the poverty here in the city.” The decline is noticeable to those who work in the community every day. Sess 4-5 organized Youth Day in New Orleans to give youth and the community a positive outlet. Sess 4-5 said more than two weeks without a murder is a start. “The reality is we need to come together as a whole and make life better for everybody. Not just for the people in the Garden District, not just for the people in the French Quarter,” Sess 4-5 said. Experts said youth homicides have also dropped 71%. School leaders like Jamar McKneely of InspireNOLA said new initiatives like NOLALOVE have also helped. At one point, the charter network was losing two to three students a year to gun violence. “The mental health issues our youth are experiencing. The trauma our youth are experiencing. We're trying to use love and NolaLOVE as a healing experience,” McKneely said. The hope is to keep that momentum going. “The goal is to have zero homicides — that's the goal. We'll probably never get there, unfortunately. No city can achieve this, but it is a goal worth working towards,” said Goyeneche.

NEW-ORLEANS —

Crime experts report that there has been no murder in New Orleans for 18 days.

Just two years ago, New Orleans was considered the murder capital of the United States. Today, experts say we are leading the nation in reducing crime.

The Metropolitan Crime Commission said this was the longest period without a murder since it began recording murders in 2019.

Rafael Goyeneche said: “Nobody declares victory and says we can go home and celebrate. We've had some winning streaks where we lasted 10, 12 and 15 days, but never 18.”

Goyeneche said an increase in proactive policing, a stronger state police presence and more arrests and traffic stops have contributed to the increase.

Township Attorney Sess 4-5 said, “I think a lot of people in this town are affected by crime. And a lot of that crime is economic in nature, it's about the poverty here in the town.”

The decline is noticeable for those who work in the community every day.

Sess 4-5 organized a youth day in New Orleans to provide a positive opportunity for youth and the community.

In session 4-5 it was said that more than two weeks without a murder would be a start.

“The reality is we need to come together as a whole and make life better for everyone. Not just for the people in the Garden District, not just for the people in the French Quarter,” Sess said 4-5.

Experts say the number of homicides among young people has also dropped by 71%. School leaders like Jamar McKneely of InspireNOLA said new initiatives like NOLALOVE have also helped.

At one point, the charter network was losing two to three students each year to gun violence.

“The mental health that our youth are experiencing. The trauma that our youth are experiencing. We're trying to use love and NolaLOVE as a healing experience,” McKneely said.

There is hope that this momentum will be maintained.

“The goal is to have no more homicides – that's the goal. Unfortunately, we'll probably never get there. No city can do that, but it's a goal worth working toward,” Goyeneche said.

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