Gun-related crimes up in Columbia so far this year, violent crime also up

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Through the month of October, Columbia has experienced an uptick in gun-related crime compared to the same point in time last year.

On Sunday, three people were shot in Downtown Columbia on East Broadway. Deandre Denny was charged Tuesday with first-degree assault, armed criminal action and illegal gun possession in connection with the shooting.

On Tuesday, a woman was hospitalized after being shot at Douglass Park. A press release said her injuries are non-life-threatening. CPD shared a photo on Wednesday of a person they say is connected to the shooting. He is considered armed and dangerous, the post states.

According to data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, gun-related crimes have seen a slight increase through the month of October. In 2024, there have been 327 gun-related crimes in Columbia, compared to 309 through the same point in 2023. Last year, there were 356 total gun-related crimes in the city.

Eight people have been killed in 2024 due to gun-related crimes.

The Highway Patrol defines that as crimes that involve the use of a firearm, firearm-automatic, handgun, handgun-automatic, rifle, rifle-automatic, shotgun, shotgun-automatic, other firearm and other firearm-automatic.

There have also been 321 non-fatal gun-related crimes. Most crimes occurred in a road, parking or campus area, according to data. The data says 50.6% of victims were female and the most victims ranged in age between 18-24.

Data shows a fluctuation in numbers since 2021.

2023:

• 5 deaths;
• 351 non-deadly firearm related crimes;
• Most victims between 25-34;
• 513 violent crimes

2022:

• 9 deaths;
• 392 non-deadly firearm related crimes;
• Most victims between 18-24;
• 613 violent crimes;

2021:

• 5 deaths;
• 400 non-deadly firearm related crimes;
• Most victims range in age between 25-34;
• 652 total violent crimes;

2024 has experienced two more instances of violent crimes with 515 compared to 2023's overall total of 513, according to data.

When asked about the recent string of shootings, Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe told ABC 17 News that she would be meeting with police on Thursday, but was not able to give an answer until after the meeting.

Ward 5 Councilman Donald Waterman told ABC 17 News that he is angered and sad about recent crime and said it is something he needs to address. He said he is aware a position for the Office of Violence Prevention for the city was posted but didn't have any updates on the status of the office.