LMPD data shows two-thirds of this year's homicides so far remain unsolved

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville has experienced a wave of gun violence in recent days.

After a man died Thursday from Tuesday's string of shootings, the city has seen 71 murders already this year.

Most of this year's homicides have happened a few hours from midnight.

The Louisville Metro Police Department's crime dashboard shows the city has seen five more homicides right now than this time last year.

That leaves 71 Jefferson County families grieving because of gun violence.

"Put the guns down," said Danielle Phillips. "It's too many of us losing our family members for no reason."

Phillips' brother, 47-year-old Takieo Thomas, is just one of the city's victims this month. He was shot and killed on May 16 in the gazebo at Petersburg Park in Newburg, where his family gathered to remember him on Thursday, one week after his death. No arrests have been made in his case.

"He was the handyman. He never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation," Phillips said.

According to LMPD, the number of gun-related fatalities so far this year are outpacing 2023. Below is a breakdown by month:

January: 12
February: 10
March: 20
April: 9
May: 20

That's 71 homicides in about 21 weeks. This time last year, Louisville had five fewer homicides.

On Tuesday, Louisville had four unrelated shootings within two hours. Three people have now died, including 14-year-old Johnathon Rodgers.

"A 14-year-old is sickening, and it needs to stop," Phillips said.

Deadly shootings continue to take place in Louisville faster than police can solve them. LMPD has made an arrest in fewer than a third of this year's murders.

"Try harder, try harder, work harder. I understand that they have families but this is their job," Phillips said.

LMPD's Homicide Unit is investigating homicides as the police department continues to face an officer shortage of about 250.

Anyone who may have information about a shooting or homicide case is asked to call LMPD's anonymous Crime Tip Line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673). Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Tip Portal by clicking here.

To see LMPD's crime dashboard, click here.

For a list of open homicide cases, click here.

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