Denver sees sharp increase in homicides as overall crime continues to fall

Denver homicide rates increased by 36.8% through July 1, 2026, compared to the same period last year, despite declines in most other violent crime categories. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas expressed concern over the rise but did not specify causes, while the department credited crime-reduction strategies like the Drones as First Responders program and seizing 920 illegal guns for lower overall crime rates. The department achieved an 88% clearance rate for homicides in 2026.