Colorado Springs has significant decrease in homicides this year; Pueblo also has fewer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Police announced Thursday that with only three days remaining in 2023, the city has 35 homicides compared to 54 at the same point last year.

Why such a significant decrease?

"We have been asked this a lot," said police spokesman Ira Cronin. "It's difficult to put a finger on why the number is lower. We didn't have a (2022) Club Q-type of event this year (five homicides) and (this year's number) will be going higher. (But) even (that) is too many for our liking."

Mayor Yemi Mobolade alluded to the drop in his monthly briefing last week.

"Murders are down 36%," he said. "We'll take it. I'm happy to report that there's still strong support for public safety."

Meanwhile, Pueblo police said that the Steel City has had 25 homicides this year -- three fewer than last year.

"Contributing factors are hard (to determine) with homicides," said Sgt. Franklyn Ortega.