LAPD Solves Over Two-Thirds of Homicides in 2025

Department touts record low killings and high clearance rates amid staffing challenges

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles police solved more than two-thirds of all homicides citywide in 2025, a year that ended with the fewest number of slayings in six decades, according to statistics presented by local authorities. The LAPD's homicide clearance rate rose to over 100% when factoring in cases solved from previous years.

Why it matters

The LAPD's success in solving homicides is seen as a positive sign, as the department has faced staffing challenges due to recent protests and natural disasters. However, experts caution that police-driven explanations for clearance rates may not tell the full story, as community attitudes, prosecutors' actions, and other factors can also impact homicide solving.

The details

Of the 230 homicides logged in areas patrolled by the LAPD in 2025, officials said that 156, or 68%, were considered solved. The department's definition of a 'cleared' homicide includes arrests, as well as cases deemed legally justified or where the suspect has died. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell attributed the success to data-driven actions, collaboration with other agencies, and a significant increase in the number of guns seized by police.

  • In 2025, LAPD officials recovered 8,650 firearms, 1,000 more than the previous year.
  • The 230 homicides logged in 2025 marked the city's lowest total since 1966, when the population was nearly a third smaller.

The players

Jim McDonnell

LAPD Chief who presented the department's homicide clearance statistics and attributed the success to data-driven actions and collaboration with other agencies.

Sal Labarbara

A former supervisor of detectives in South Bureau homicide, who called the citywide solve rates a 'beautiful' achievement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is how it's supposed to be. When murders are down, reinforce the teams and solve the older cases. In the past, when homicides were down, they sometimes took detectives away from homicide investigations. It's especially extraordinary considering the number of sworn officers are decreasing.”

— Sal Labarbara, Former supervisor of detectives in South Bureau homicide

What’s next

The LAPD plans to continue its data-driven approach and collaboration with other agencies to maintain the high homicide clearance rates.

The takeaway

The LAPD's success in solving homicides, despite staffing challenges, is a positive sign for the city. However, experts caution that police-driven explanations may not tell the full story, as other factors beyond law enforcement can impact homicide solving.