Atlas
01-06-2006, 12:15 AM
Compton Killings Highest in Years
The city saw at least 72 homicides in 2005. Some say the sheriff's response is too passive. Others ask why the city doesn't pay for more patrols.
By Megan Garvey, Times Staff Writer
January 2, 2006
At least 72 people were killed in Compton in 2005, the highest toll in a decade for a city that has ranked among the most dangerous in the nation for 30 years.
The rise in homicides frightened residents who have long lived with high levels of gang violence but had seen a downturn in violent crime in recent years.
In addition to those killed in Compton, at least nine more people were shot to death in unincorporated areas within a few blocks of the city boundary.
Many residents have been frustrated over a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department response that they found surprisingly passive in the face of unrelenting violence.
Compton ended 2005 with nearly as many homicides as there are sheriff's deputies paid to patrol the city. Some residents have asked why city officials have not acted more forcefully.
The oldest victim was the first, Reginald Humphries, 61, found bludgeoned to death Jan. 7 in his home on 138th Street.
Rest of the article : http://ktla.trb.com/news/local/la-me-compton2jan02,0,3642422.story?coll=ktla-newslocal-1
Hell 72 murders in a year for a 100 000 people city.
The city saw at least 72 homicides in 2005. Some say the sheriff's response is too passive. Others ask why the city doesn't pay for more patrols.
By Megan Garvey, Times Staff Writer
January 2, 2006
At least 72 people were killed in Compton in 2005, the highest toll in a decade for a city that has ranked among the most dangerous in the nation for 30 years.
The rise in homicides frightened residents who have long lived with high levels of gang violence but had seen a downturn in violent crime in recent years.
In addition to those killed in Compton, at least nine more people were shot to death in unincorporated areas within a few blocks of the city boundary.
Many residents have been frustrated over a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department response that they found surprisingly passive in the face of unrelenting violence.
Compton ended 2005 with nearly as many homicides as there are sheriff's deputies paid to patrol the city. Some residents have asked why city officials have not acted more forcefully.
The oldest victim was the first, Reginald Humphries, 61, found bludgeoned to death Jan. 7 in his home on 138th Street.
Rest of the article : http://ktla.trb.com/news/local/la-me-compton2jan02,0,3642422.story?coll=ktla-newslocal-1
Hell 72 murders in a year for a 100 000 people city.