Slayings Were Up 19 Percent In Rochester Last Year

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — Officials say the number of slayings that occurred in Rochester last year rose by 19 percent in comparison to 2015.

The Democrat & Chronicle reports (http://on.rocne.ws/2hLCHf8 ) that figure accounts for the western New York city's largest increase for the crime in six years.

Rochester's 43 reported homicides in 2016 was the city's highest total since 2007. There were 36 homicides in 2015 and investigators found no pattern to explain the rise in violence.

The increase comes at a time when violent crimes have been trending downward at a steady pace nationwide.

Despite the rise in slayings, last year's numbers show that Rochester's overall crime rate was at a 25-year low.

Homicide figures are unofficial and were based on information provided by the Rochester Police Department that is subject to change.

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Information from: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, http://www.democratandchronicle.com