CMPD investigating 11 homicides after spike in violent crime kicks off 2019

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are investigating 11 homicides since the year began, which is nearly a 100 percent spike compared to the same time in 2018.

[RELATED: Charlotte homicide rate dropped more than 30 percent from 2017]

Police said there have been 10 homicides and one deadly officer-involved shooting to start off 2019.

Officials said there is no question about a spike in crime, but there is not anything that explains it. They said they are hoping things will level out as the year progresses.

In 2017, Charlotte started with nine murders in January.

Last year, the city saw six homicides in the first month of the year, but this year, police said they are investigating 11.

RELATED COVERAGE: 

• Woman charged after 63-year-old grandmother found shot to death inside car
• Police identify man found fatally shot outside north Charlotte gas station
• Police identify man shot to death outside east Charlotte convenience store

"I don't think I see a trend, it's so early in the year. It's really kind of hard to say what the trend is," CMPD Lt. Bryan Crum said.

Mothers of Murdered Offspring said it is not just a police problem, but everyone needs to get involved in trying to de-escalate situations.

"Sometimes, it's the conversation, sitting two people down, talking to one person, getting them to see things differently," MOMO spokesperson Lisa Crawford said.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Long lines at Charlotte Douglas after TSA checkpoints briefly closed
• Police identify man found fatally shot outside north Charlotte gas station
• Woman charged after 63-year-old grandmother found shot to death inside car
• FORECAST: Dry start to the workweek before snow, cold temps arrive
• 3 dead, 3 injured after car slams into tree in Lancaster County, troopers say

Cox Media Group