In this issue:
Durham Homicides Continue to Fall
700 Homes Stalled After Sewage Capacity
Mayor Blasts Status Quo on Violence
Approx Read Time: 3 mins
Durham Homicides Continue to Fall
Durham saw another year of declining homicides in 2025, continuing a post-pandemic drop from its 2022 peak. The trend mirrors a broader national decline in violent crime, even as local police leadership prepares for transition.
Durham numbers edge down: The city recorded 38 homicides in 2025, down from 40 in 2024. Other major crime categories also fell, including rape (11%), robbery (10%), and aggravated assault (22%).
Below pandemic high: Like many cities, Durham experienced a spike in 2022 but remains significantly below that peak as violent crime trends downward.
Part of national decline: A Major Cities Chiefs Association report covering 67 large departments found homicides dropped 19% nationwide in 2025 compared to 2024. Raleigh recorded 28 homicides last year, far below its 2022 high of 49.
700 Homes Stalled After Sewage Capacity
Roughly 700 planned housing units in East Durham are on hold after the city said a portion of the sewer system is at full capacity. Developers could be waiting until 2029 or 2030 for upgrades, raising concerns about infrastructure planning as Durham pushes to expand housing supply.
Major projects paused: The proposed Hoover Dam Assemblage near Hoover Road and Miami Boulevard included about 400 apartments and townhomes with an affordable housing component. A mixed-use project on Driver Street is also affected.
Costly workaround proposed: Developers say the city suggested building a temporary pump system costing about $2 million, which they determined was not financially feasible.
Council discussion ahead: City Manager Bo Ferguson said the issue will be addressed at a March 5 City Council work session. While upgrades may be expedited, no firm timeline has been confirmed.
Mayor Blasts Status Quo on Violence
After six men and children were shot in six days, Mayor Leo Williams criticized Durham’s current anti-violence approach and called for a broader response. The shootings come as city leaders debate prevention strategies and policing tools.
Six shootings in six days: Incidents included a 17-year-old killed on South Alston Avenue, two teens injured on South Roxboro Street, 47-year-old Tavarus Joyner killed near downtown, and a 13-year-old wounded in a drive-by. As of early February, 15 people had been shot in 2026, four fatally.
Mayor calls for change: Williams said there is “nothing right now other than the status quo” and urged residents to bring concrete solutions, emphasizing that the mayor cannot solve the issue alone.
Prevention vs. enforcement debate: Critics pushed for more investment in youth programs and jobs, while others called for stronger enforcement tools.
