Violent crime in Columbia fluctuates over time, according to FBI data

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Several high-profile shootings in and around Columbia have brought attention to violent crime in recent weeks.

FBI crime statistics show that, over more than a decade, Columbia experiences ups and downs in its number of violent crimes.

Violent crime is classified as homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, according to the FBI's Crime Data Explorer.

About 100 more violent crimes were reported in Columbia in 2021 -- the last year for which numbers are available-- than in 2009. However, the number has fluctuated in that range since 2009.

The story is similar with the most violent of crimes -- homicide. Columbia police reported 13 in 2021, but just six the following year.

A homicide happens when a person is responsible for taking another person's life and includes crimes such as manslaughter -- not just murder.

Rape however has been on a steady upward trend. CPD reported 71 rapes in 2019, 89 in 2020 and 143 in 2021.

The Boone County Sheriff's Office investigated five homicides in 2021, one in 2020 and none in 2019 according to the data on the CDE.

Some recent, high-profile shootings in and around Columbia include a shooting at Plush Lounge last weekend that left one dead. A man was shot and killed on West Bellview Drive in Boone County in April and a woman has been accused of killing a University of Missouri student in January.

Check back for updates to this developing story.