So far in 2025, only 16 homicides have been reported in the city — a significant drop from the 24 recorded during the same period in 2024, and a dramatic reduction from the staggering 65 cases logged by this time in 2021. For many, these numbers represent far more than statistics. They reflect healing, hard work, and the payoff of long-term dedication to saving lives.
Malissa Thomas-St. Clair, founder of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, recalls the dark years not so long ago when homicide numbers surged to record levels. The pain and trauma from those years fueled her organization’s efforts to unite community members and law enforcement in finding real solutions. She said the success now being seen is not accidental, but a result of relentless effort and mutual accountability.
“There is intentional work happening,” Thomas-St. Clair said. “We were doing everything we could to close the gap, to reach community members, to help them understand there's a different way. We just didn't think we would see this day.” She highlighted how her group has deepened its connection with the Columbus Division of Police, transforming what was once a strained relationship into a true partnership. By building trust and working toward a common goal, both sides have helped foster safer neighborhoods across the city.
Assistant Chief Greg Bodker of the Columbus Division of Police emphasized that the positive trend cannot be attributed to one single action. Instead, he pointed to a broad ecosystem of efforts, including public awareness, improved investigations, and increased community involvement. “I can't put my finger on one thing,” Bodker said. “It's you reporting these incidents. It's the community members getting involved, from Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children to the domestic violence meeting I just attended yesterday.”
Bodker explained that in response to the years of high homicide rates, Columbus police implemented structural changes that are now showing results. One such measure was the creation of dedicated homicide detective teams tasked with investigating violent crimes more thoroughly. The department also brought in additional crime analysts and genealogists to assist in solving complex cases, which has increased the solve rate and brought more closure to grieving families.
“These teams working together, they are doing some incredible things that have an impact on the solve rate and getting answers for families,” Bodker said. While the numbers are encouraging, both police and community organizations are not letting their guard down. Historically, Columbus sees a rise in youth-related violence during the summer months when schools are out and supervision is reduced. Leaders like Thomas-St. Clair are already planning proactive efforts to continue the momentum and ensure that safety remains a top priority through the warmer season.
Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children is preparing to roll out youth engagement programs again this summer. These initiatives are designed to provide safe spaces, mentorship, and alternatives to violence for young people who may otherwise be vulnerable to risky environments. In addition, the organization is partnering with other local leaders next month to discuss coordinated strategies around summer safety and violence prevention.
City leaders say the reduced homicide rate is proof that when police work alongside their communities with transparency, compassion, and consistent engagement, lives can be saved and trust can be rebuilt. While the road has not been easy, the success in Columbus this year serves as an example of how transformative change is possible when everyone is part of the solution.
In a time when many urban centers continue to grapple with persistent gun violence and eroding trust between police and the communities they serve, Columbus offers a rare glimpse of hope. If the current trajectory continues, 2025 may become a defining year for the city — one in which it turned a painful legacy of violence into a model of collaboration and safety for the future.
