Jill Leovy's LAT homicide blog now takes note of 99 killings across Los Angeles county so far this year, about three a day. That's lower than last year's daily average, but the fact is that homicide spikes in the summer months. So there's still plenty of time for the rate to catch up, though here's hoping it doesn't. Meanwhile, LAPD chief William Bratton released new stats today showing that murders are down 25% in the city of Los Angeles on a year-to-date comparison. A starker way to look at it: there have been 38 murders and 66 reported rapes in the city already this year, plus 1,379 aggravated assaults, 1,570 robberies and 2,734 vehicle thefts. All are better than last year, at least by the LAPD's stats.
More by Kevin Roderick:
Ralph Lawler of the Clippers and the age of AquariusRiding the Expo Line to USC 'just magical'
Last bastion of free parking? Loyola Marymount to charge students
Matt Kemp, Dodgers and Kings start big weekend the right way
LA Times writers revisit their '92 riots observations
Recent Police stories on LA Observed:
Police union's take on what we've learned from the riotsOfficer saves choking infant before nabbing robbery suspect
LAPD, Trutanich add more muscle around USC
KNBC 'live-tweeting' the run-up to '92 riots
MALDEF sues sheriff over withheld Ruben Salazar files
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