CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police investigated 67 homicides in 2016, an increase of seven cases from the previous year.
Statistics provided by the department Friday reveal the number of homicides reached an eight-year high; in 2008, 83 people were killed.
In the past 10 years, the department saw its fewest number of cases in 2014 with 42 homicides.
Charlotte native and community activist Mario Black said he was disheartened by the rise in violent crime, especially those involving young children.
By the end of November, five cases involved someone younger than 18, including three children younger than 12.
"It saddens me," Black said.
"I'm part of the village to help bring a solution to the problem," he said.
"We just need everybody to have that same mindset."
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers investigated 67 homicides in 2016, an increase of seven cases from the previous year.
Statistics provided by the department Friday reveal the number of homicides reached an eight-year high dating back to 2008 when 83 people were killed.
In the past 10 years, the department saw its fewest number of cases in 2014 with 42 homicides.
Charlotte native and community activist Mario Black said he was disheartened by the rise in violent crime, especially those involving young children.
By the end of November, five cases involved someone younger than 18, including three children younger than 12.
As part of Million Youth March Charlotte, Black often helps to organize candlelight vigils to honor homicide victims, along with offering support to their families.
Charlotte resident Katherine Gayle considers her family blessed, knowing their story could've ended much differently.
In November, her 5-year-old granddaughter, Nadia. was shot in North Charlotte, after a dispute ended in gunfire, and someone shot into the car in which she was riding.
Gayle said a bullet entered Nadia's side, and pierced her lung, liver and bladder, before lodging into her back.
"For five years old, she was a trooper," Gayle said. "I don't think adults can handle what she went through as well as she did."
Gayle said her family is working to raise money for Nadia's medical bills and counseling.
"It could've been worse, a lot worse," she said.
Cox Media Group
