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Number of Murders in Tenn. Drops To Lowest Level In Years

tbi.gov

An annual report on crime in Tennessee suggests the number of murders in 2013 was the lowest since the TBI began releasing its "Crime In Tennessee" report in 2001.

The compilation of crime statistics from local law enforcement agencies shows a total of 333 murders in 2013, down 18.6 percent from 2012’s total of 390.    

Memphis police reported the highest number of murders at 124.  Knoxville Police reported 18 murders, a number that has remained unchanged over the two previous years.

The Crimes Against Persons category, including such offenses as rape, kidnapping and assault saw a drop of 6.6 percent in 2013.  Crimes Against Property, involving theft and burglary, dropped 4.9 percent.

However, Crimes Against Society, including prostitution, gambling and drugs, registered an increase of 2.7 percent.  The number of clandestine meth labs seized in Tennessee also saw an 11.6 percent rise. 

Other findings in the report:

o   Overall, reported incidents dropped in the Group A (counted by offenses) category by 5.4 percent and by 7.6 percent in the Group B (counted by arrestees) category.

o   Domestic violence offenses made up for 51.4 percent of all ‘Crimes Against Persons.’

o   Weapon Law Violations increased by 29.5 percent in 2013.

o   The number of reported DUI arrests dropped 10 percent since 2012’s report.

TBI officials warn against drawing too many conclusions from the data, as they can change as knowledge about specific crimes evolves.