Fact check: How many murders in baltimore, MD this year

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available data, Baltimore has experienced 68 homicides in 2025 according to the Baltimore Police Department's mid-year crime report ^{[1] [2]}. However, there is conflicting information from another source that reports 84 homicides for the year ^{[3] [4]}.

The 68 homicide figure represents a 22% decrease from the 88 homicides recorded in 2024 ^{[2] [1]}. If the 84 homicide figure is accurate, this would still represent a significant decrease from the 111 homicides recorded in the first seven months of 2024 ^[3]. Both figures suggest that Baltimore is experiencing its lowest homicide rate in over 50 years ^[3].

The Baltimore Police Department has achieved a 64% homicide clearance rate in 2025 ^[1], indicating improved investigative effectiveness alongside the reduced crime numbers.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual elements:

• Timing discrepancy: The sources provide mid-year data ^{[1] [2]} and data through July 2025 ^[3], but none provide current totals as of August 25, 2025, meaning the actual number could be higher than reported.
• Historical perspective: The question doesn't acknowledge that these numbers represent historic lows spanning over five decades ^[3], which provides crucial context for understanding the significance of current crime levels.
• Comparative analysis: Missing context about the 22% year-over-year decrease ^{[1] [2]} and comparison to previous years' data that would help assess whether this is part of a trend or an anomaly.
• Political implications: Mayor Brandon Scott has been actively promoting these crime reduction statistics ^{[4] [3]}, which benefits his political standing and policy initiatives. The timing and presentation of these statistics could serve electoral or policy advancement purposes.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself is neutral and factual, seeking specific data rather than making claims. However, the conflicting numbers between sources (68 vs. 84 homicides) present potential accuracy issues:

• The Baltimore Police Department's official mid-year report consistently shows 68 homicides ^{[1] [2]}, while Mayor Brandon Scott's statements reference 84 homicides ^[3].
• Political motivation could influence how these statistics are presented, as Mayor Scott benefits from demonstrating successful crime reduction policies. The emphasis on "fewest recorded homicides in over 50 years" ^[3] serves to highlight administrative success.
• The lack of current data as of August 25, 2025, means any answer based on mid-year or July figures would be incomplete and potentially misleading about the actual current total.