KCPD's homicide count is high and rising

I have no idea how the police are juggling all this. They've been able to close a lot of cases quickly, it seems, but the last week has been ridiculous. Four murders in the space of a day? I'm not sure what's driving all of this. We had a couple of shootings they THOUGHT might be related, but that was mentioned and never really brought up again.

The last time we had a run like this, it was back when police were warning the public about gang violence. Nobody's offered that as a theory now.

From Christine Vendel:

Four homicides recorded in less than 24 hours — including the shooting death of a pregnant woman Wednesday — pushed Kansas City’s monthly total to a level not seen this decade.

As of Thursday, the city had logged 19 homicides in August, the first time that has happened since December 1998. And the month is not finished.

Homicide detectives have pulled three all-nighters just this week.

“They’ll finish working one homicide and try to go home to rest, only to get called back in,” said homicide Capt. John Mueller.

This month’s surge has inched the year’s total of 81 past the 79 recorded by the same date in 2005, which was the city’s most violent year for homicides this decade.

Comments

[Otis]

There are not 2 Americas. There are more like a hundred. Virtually every race lives within its own cultural identity with some crossover. This is not a melting pot anymore. Its a tossed salad with different groups in the same bowl. The only people that can change whats going on in there group is the members themselves.

[duh]

who cares?

[Michelle F]

The biggest question here is, what is this city going to do about the growing problem we seem to be having with violence and gangs? The KCPD only have a limited amount or officers on the gang taskforce and have not received the funding for more thanks to the "budget" cuts. Funkhouser, really needs to take a good look at this becuase these people are dying on his watch.

As far as the comment of "Who Cares", well, I promise that you will if it happens to be one of your family members that happen to get caught in the crossfire!

[k]

Thank you to the hardworking officers trying to solve these crimes. Maybe if they had more help, they could do more. Even shorthanded, I'm sure their success rate is more than the 2 percent DUI checkpoint advocates grandstand over. These guys are working to keep our communities safe, not sending out press releases.

[Searching]

They were given funding in the form of a tax increase that was supposed to pay for new officers and cars... so, what did they do with it. The time for the tax to go away is here and they did not spend it for it's intended purpose.. so, what is everyon supposed to do? Keep handing money over to an organization that clearly squanders it?
KC is a mess, until you get some leadership in there that will work.. you are all screwed. In the meantime, I gotta know where 1.00 out of every 100.00 dollars made in KC goes.. they get all that extra income too.

[blarneology]

I don't share everyone's belief in the police doing everything they can. I don't they are doing everything they can to curb violence. I also don't think it sits on the governments/police job to help make our streets safter.

The police react to crime they don't stop it

The government is a business and nothing more, solving crimes doesn't generate revenue like traffic violations which is their bread and butter.

We have created this problem for ourselves. We have babied our children and taught them that earning what they get is not as good as the quick and easy. We have let them believe that to be insulted or slighted is the worst thing in the world to happen. We have let them believe that these thugs on t.v./in music and on the sports fields are somehow some kind of role model.

We have allowed the gub'mit to take control of our childrens education and in a lot of cases raising them.

We have allowed the government to be too involved in our personal lives and now slowly but surely we are losing control of ourselves.

This problem is ours not the police. The police react to crime and we are the ones who need to stop it. If we expect the government to protect us it will but it will do so at the expense of our rights and freedoms and that is something that I don't see as an option.

[Searching]

I dont know what this WE stuff is.. that isnt how my child was raised..

Why dont you just put the blame where it lies.. on they.. the parents and families in the ghettos of KC..

[James Hart]

I don't think you can blame violence on every single person living in a bad neighborhood. There are a lot of families who live there that avoid trouble and hate violence as much as anyone.

[Concernrd Citizen]

Kansas City is getting way too violent !!!

[Stop the violance]

Kansas City is going to be known as the murder capital of the world.

[blarneology]

It's our fault. We are a society and we are responsible for ourselves as a whole.

Searching, I'm sure you don't know what this we stuff is. It's a tough concept.

James the fact is we are all to blame not just people in the ghetto or in beverly hills. it's all of our fault.

[Chuckles da Clown]

I keep hearing about a new gang in town, MS13, that supposedly is incredibly violent and ruthless. I did some research and saw that this gang has strong roots in latino neighborhoods, as it is originated from El Salvador. Can this be what's causing this city to explode with crime?!

[Truth Teller]

It starts at the family unit. Until we do away with the "Lottery" divorce - expect more.

Just Fair and Equitable. Means 50/50. When the game is rigged so one person gets the goodies and a monthly stipend to boot - families and society suffers.

[Searching]

Truth Teller .. WTH?

Blarney, I cant be responsible for the actions of people that would just soon kill ya as look at you and I dont even want to try.. and please dont try any of that I am a compassionate man crap around here... we've all met your nasty arse.

[blarneology]

Searching, you completely miss the point which is not a suprise. I am also not going to waste the time trying to explain something this simple to you. I will let those with cohesive thought understand while you sit there befuddled at your computer.

[gee]

I think it's clear that government attempts to "fix" the problems inherent with poverty have lead us to disastrous results in our inner cities. I was recently reading that up to the early 1960's, poor inner city blacks married at the same rate as whites. Once the great society programs to combat poverty became the norm, the marriage rate among inner city blacks plummeted, a couple of generations of kids to grow up fatherless. Blarney has a point--asking government to fix a problem rarely works the way we intend.

I also think the problem stems from a shift in demographics. Right now, for the first time in history, the majority of 27 year old males are not, and have not been married. Lets face it--most violent crime is committed by unmarried males age 18 to 35. Men who haven't been "domesticated" with the responsibilities of a wife and family tend to raise some hell.

[Kate]

Maybe the city should stop using its police resources for "speed traps" on the highway and useless drunk driving checkpoints that routinely net people who are not drunk drivers.

[blarneology]

HaH, and Gee has coherent thought.

I also like your second point but I bet you could take that deeper and I bet marriage has less to do with than say education. Our schools are crap the school system is crap and it's putting out a crap product. We have too many people who think they are entitled to things. Oh yea the problem is our fault even though some just can't fathom this concept.

[kev]

blarneology , There you go again with insults! I agree with what you said to a point. I am not to blame. my kids didn't grow up this way. I'm not that way. So, It's (them) not (we). Are you including yourself? Don't include everyone. I think you like to argue and insult others.

[kev]

blarneology , There you go again with insults! I agree with what you said to a point. I am not to blame. my kids didn't grow up this way. I'm not that way. So, It's (them) not (we). Are you including yourself? Don't include everyone. I think you like to argue and insult others.

[gee]

Blarn--

I think education (or lack thereof)definitely plays a role. Too many kids are coming out of the "system" more concerned about "partying", having good abs, living for the moment, etc., than doing the things that pepetuate a healthy society--becoming productive, raising a new generation or responsible citizens . . .

There's an old Roman saying about bad/tough times--"Tend your own garden". If everyone did their level best to raise the best kids possible, to educate themselves, to make the most of their opportunities . . . imagine the results.

[blarneology]

"blarneology , There you go again with insults! I agree with what you said to a point. I am not to blame. my kids didn't grow up this way. I'm not that way. So, It's (them) not (we). Are you including yourself? Don't include everyone. I think you like to argue and insult others."

Maybe you need to go back and re-read the thread before you show up here whining.

As long as you live in this country you are part of the we. I know like searching this might be a hard concept to understand but then your education is not my problem.

[blarneology]

"Blarn--

I think education (or lack thereof)definitely plays a role. Too many kids are coming out of the "system" more concerned about "partying", having good abs, living for the moment, etc., than doing the things that pepetuate a healthy society--becoming productive, raising a new generation or responsible citizens . . .

There's an old Roman saying about bad/tough times--"Tend your own garden". If everyone did their level best to raise the best kids possible, to educate themselves, to make the most of their opportunities . . . imagine the results."

Gee, you are exactly right. I do believe before you can tell someone to clean up their act you should make sure your back yard is clean. Instead we have this "well I'm not one of them" mentality which is just plain sad.

[kev]

Again I am not part of this problem. I did what I was suppose to do.Why must you
end a message with an insult.Whining? I'm not whining. I'm stating a fact. I am not part of this problem. If your kid goes out and kills someone, does that make it everyones fault. No. There are certain people in this country that didn't play by the rules and their to blame. It'THEM not WE!

[Michelle F]

We, is the word to be using here because if a violent crime hasn't affected your or someone you know yet, then wait, it will. It is a matter of educating young parents and helping them make the right choices with their children and on the flip side of that helping the kids that have already been in trouble change their own mentality on life. WE need to help them realize that there is more to life than hurting each other and causing more harm than good. It's call restorative justice, which is a relatively a new concept that the prison systems are now using with adult offenders and are not looking to implement in juvenile facilities.

"Again I am not part of this problem. I did what I was suppose to do.Why must you
end a message with an insult.Whining? I'm not whining. I'm stating a fact. I am not part of this problem. If your kid goes out and kills someone, does that make it everyones fault. No. There are certain people in this country that didn't play by the rules and their to blame. It'THEM not WE!"

Your first post was whining about me. Why don't you STFU or discuss the topic. We already know you can meltdown and have a class action temper tantrum, nobody has seen if you can have a discussion like an adult. Now get off my jock and have a discussion or go away.

[unreal]

When the government rewards welfare recipients with more free money and housing for each additional child they have then the problem gets worse. More fatherless children with single mothers who keep getting more handouts for each additional uncontrolable child.

"We, is the word to be using here because if a violent crime hasn't affected your or someone you know yet, then wait, it will. It is a matter of educating young parents and helping them make the right choices with their children and on the flip side of that helping the kids that have already been in trouble change their own mentality on life. WE need to help them realize that there is more to life than hurting each other and causing more harm than good. It's call restorative justice, which is a relatively a new concept that the prison systems are now using with adult offenders and are not looking to implement in juvenile facilities."

Michelle hopefully more folks will understand what you are saying than are playing this we vs. them thing which helps nothing. It's a level of intelligence that I think we are slowly losing in this country.

[Ni]

WOW I actually agree with Blarney on this! While the parents do shoulder the brunt of the blame the government does play a role in this problem as well. While our Mayor and City Council are busy bickering over trivial matters, they have failed to tackle the real problems in this city. We spend millions of dollars building an entertainment district that service a few when the very core of our city has rotted away. A few weeks ago I visited the Power and Light District, I noticed a strong police presence. Try driving down Prospect Avenue from Truman Road to 75th street and count the number of police you see.

While you’re driving through this area notice the boarded up buildings, the defunct businesses, the lack of development and growth. The council members of the 3rd & 5th district should be ashamed of their leadership. In suburban areas a McDonalds can be built & open in less than a month. The proposed McDonalds/Gas Station at 55th & Prospect broke ground almost 2 years ago and still has not been completed. Where has the tax/development dollars for these areas gone?

I won’t even try to tackle what’s wrong with the KCMO school district, there’s not enough hours in the day.

[blarneology]

That was me as was the one two posts up from it.

[kev]

Your first post was whining about me. Why don't you STFU or discuss the topic. We already know you can meltdown and have a class action temper tantrum, nobody has seen if you can have a discussion like an adult. Now get off my jock and have a discussion or go away.

You have got to be the fowlest POS I have ever come across in a long time. Man I feel for the ones that have to live with you. Some people feel comfortable saying ill things on here. It's because the don't have the ba**s to say it to ones face!

[Michelle F]

Ni - you are exactly right on this. I don't know why KC can't seem to wake up to this! Hell, why all major cities in our country can't seem to get it, focus on our kids not entertaining or trying to make things look pretty. Because I'll tell you right now looking pretty is not going to get you anywhere when people start getting hurt to go to there entertainment district. It's all a matter image.

[monty]

You can throw all the money you want (School Dist)into the hood and it wont make any difference until a certain segment of this society decides to assimilate.
Mandatory Military or National-State service would at least slow down some of this $hit.And cut ALL entitlements for anyone who can work...AND breeding like a rabbit should not be considered a career.This is for ALL races.

[Michelle F]

I meant- it's all a matter of image - my brain works faster than my hands sometimes!

[Searching]

kev.. blarney has little mans sydrome, it is the only way he has found to punish society for his "shortcomings".

NI, it is no doubt that you agree with blarney.. because once again you think we ought to continue to throw money at a section of society that doesnt want to work honestly for a living. no, they want the quick buck and blame establishment for their laziness. As far as the kids go.. tell the the mom's to quit being so desparate for a man that they spread their legs for a little attention and then are shocked when they get no support.

Then, society has to raise them. while they go on with the man hunting. or drug hunting. The kids.. left to themselves.. make up their own rules.

[blarneology]

Searching, you have wanting to ride on blarney's jock syndrome. How about you and kev just go drool on your keyboards together.

Any kind of cohesive thought would tell you nobody is talking about throwing money at them, they are talking about taking responsibility. Again not sure why only two of you are unable to comprehend this, but it's really no suprise.

[Jorge]

All I have to say is that Funk sucks!! and I didnt vote for him..

[Ni]

Searching I request that you NOT direct any further comments to me. It’s painfully obvious that your little mind has chosen to group a whole race of people into one category. While I try to respect everyone's opinion I cannot and will not debate ignorant comments such as those presented. Therefore I choose not to discuss anything with you.

[liberal]

Our brillant, tolerant, PC leaders, arrogant political leadership and media have forgotten God and kicked Him out of our society. We are reaping the results.. ENJOY !!!

[James Hart]

Guys: Separate corners, please. Thanks.

[blarneology]

Ni, as you point out it's not a race issue. This is why I keep saying "WE" as in all of us. I don't think this means throwing money at any group due to race, financial status or any other status. I think it has to do with education, respect and personal responsibility. We as a society cannot just blame one part of it either. We all have to take responsibility in this problem because we all have become lazy and allowed others(such as our government) to do too much of our thinking, child rearing and educating for us.

[BoBi]

MS13 is making it's bones in KC.

[Ni]

I agree noone said give away money to anyone. I'm simply trying to point out that in certain areas we lack jobs, decent education, affordable housing, recreational activities for children etc...

[blarneology]

Ni, here are things to remember though. In order to get jobs into those areas they need to clean up those areas. The people in those areas cannot expect outsiders to come in and clean up for them.

They need education yet they aren't making the most of the education offered to them, this is indicitive of most people who are in plighted areas again not a race issue.

There is affordable housing in these areas that are plighted but at the same time the people living in these areas treat their own homes like garbage for the most part. This again is another issue that needs to be taken care of within.

This all points to us issues and a personal responsibility issue. I don't disagree that these areas need the things you listed but in order to entice others to make a move there we have to clean up our backyards. If my neighborhood looked like $hit I wouldn't expect the property values to be very high. I wouldn't expect there to be a desire to spend money there and I wouldn't expect the children to make the most of themselves. We have to approach this with the attitude that if we don't improve our situations nobody else is going to help.

[Moral City USA]

KCPD will be right on it. They will post some undercover cops in Independence Ave tonight and get those prostitutes and johns. They will show us what is moral.

[blarneology]

We are all basically in this country together and as long as "WE" expect government and tax money to make our lives better it's going to get worse. "We" need to start taking care of our own lives, "WE" need to start taking care of our neighborhoods and "WE" need to take responsibility for the situation "WE" have found ourselves in.

Pointing at another group and saying "Well it's their fault" is not going to help. It's all of our fault we have gotten lazy and expect big brother to do our jobs for us as parents, educators and role models.

There have been numerous issues over the last few decades that is resulting in this downward spiral. Welfare was not designed to be a vocation but it has evolved to that. We have become an entitlement society. We believe that for whatever reason we are owed a certain way of life and there are far too many that are not willing to work to get it. We have relied and counted on the gov't to step up an do things that family traditionally was there for. We have allowed far too many concessions in the interest of being politically correct. Yes, there are issues in schools becuase teachers are now being used to try and instill values that should have been tought long before. This takes away from time that could be used, well for teaching. Disruptive students ruin instruction and due to the nice "no child left behind" rules there is little that can be done to decipline these unruly children.

There is no quick fix to these SOCIETAL issues and that is why I do believe this is a WE problem. To the people who claim its not me, just becuase you do a good job inside of your own four walls does not mean you can't be part of a bigger solution. Isolationism does not work in a long term soltion. We all need to get out, get to know our neighbors and start to become a society again.

[j.c.]

Their is a problem and how do we solve it?
WE protect our selves, its just a shame that the economy is the way it is, usuall ywhen that goes down we have more violence, people looking to steal for money,the drive-bys are something else just cowards trying to prove something.
If every household had a gun, nobody would have a problem with the home invasions that we are having, maybe we should ne like Florida and Texas no trespassing allowed!!!

[J.C.]

Prostitutes and Johns that's the least of our problems, at least their working!! Not shooting or killing!! It's the so called bad asses(kids)underage and worthless. We should have a park otside of K.C. where they all can go Shoot themselves!!!

People killing people over $195 dollars, life doesn't cost much?