As of May 12, 2026, Denver has recorded 18 homicides, marking an increase of four compared to the same period in 2025. This uptick is particularly concerning given the national context: a recent report from the Major Cities Chiefs Association indicates an 18% decrease in homicides across the country during the early months of 2026. Source
April was notably violent for Denver, with seven homicides reported. Despite this recent surge, the city’s three-year average for homicides remains 28% lower, suggesting that while the current trend is alarming, longer-term progress has been made in reducing violent crime. Police Chief Ron Thomas expressed hope that the violence seen in April won’t continue. Source
Nationally, other violent crimes are also declining across major law enforcement agencies, aligning with broader FBI crime trends. This contrast between Denver’s recent increase and the national decrease underscores the need for localized strategies to address and reverse the current trend in our city. Source