Chicago, Illinois — Homicides in the south and southwest suburbs have dropped by 35% in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking a significant trend in the ongoing reduction of violent crime in the region. Data collected by the Daily Southtown reflects this decline, which aligns with similar decreases observed in Chicago and broader Cook County.
Preliminary figures from the Cook County medical examiner’s office indicate that there were 541 homicides throughout the county last year, a sharp reduction from the 792 reported in 2024 and 850 in 2023. This decline marks a notable year, as it is the first time since 2014 that the county’s total fell below 600 homicides.
Particularly among the south suburbs, Dolton and Harvey recorded the highest number of homicides, with seven each in 2025, a decrease from nine in both municipalities the year prior. This continuing downward trend is significant, following a peak of 1,094 homicides in Cook County in 2021, the highest number recorded since the Bureau of Justice Statistics began tracking such data.
In Chicago, gun violence also saw a notable drop, reaching levels not seen in a decade last year. The reduction in violence has sparked hope among residents and city officials, who have long sought effective interventions to combat crime.
Specific incidents illustrate the changes in the landscape of crime. The year began with the shooting of 22-year-old Eric McCann in Harvey on New Year’s Day. In August, a shooting at a party in Harvey left seven people injured and claimed one life, spotlighting the ongoing struggles with gun-related violence. The violence appeared to have retaliatory connections when 28-year-old Jeremiah Adtutubofuh was shot the following day.
Ford Heights saw four homicides, including a tragic incident on July 5, when two men were killed in one shooting. The police arrested a suspect in connection with this case, illustrating ongoing law enforcement efforts to tackle violent crime.
Several other municipalities reported varying homicide numbers, with Hazel Crest, Riverdale, South Holland, and Chicago Heights each reporting three homicides in 2025. Noteworthy is the case of Thornwood High athlete Davell Holden, who was fatally shot in South Holland in what officials later deemed a case of mistaken identity.
In December, a double homicide in Richton Park ended the year with the deaths of Nivia Phillips and her boyfriend, leading to charges against Phillips’ son. Meanwhile, Glenwood and other surrounding areas reported fewer incidents, though every life lost adds to the community’s grief and challenges.
Notably, Calumet City registered no homicides in 2025, a stark contrast to its previous years, which saw higher rates of violence. This shift in statistics has renewed discussions about public safety measures and community interventions across the region.
The demographics of last year’s homicide victims reveal troubling trends as well, with 73% identified as Black and 18% as Latino, while the majority, 83%, were men. As the community seeks answers and solutions, the substantial decline in homicides offers a glimmer of hope that ongoing initiatives may help further reduce violence in the future.