CHARLOTTE, NC - Violent crime is on the rise around the country. In Charlotte, there have been 59 homicides, putting the city on pace to match last year’s record violence.

What You Need To Know

  • Violent crime is on the rise in Charlotte, with the city now up to 59 homicides in 2020
  • Charlotte has had 22 murders since June 2, according to CMPD

  • One victim support group says it's harder to reach family members of victims because of the coronavirus

During a briefing Monday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings said there were 22 homicides by June 2 with victims as young as 14 and 16 years old.

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Anti-violence groups and victim support groups are struggling to make connections and help those grieving the loss of a family member.

Mothers of Murdered Offspring in Charlotte has held vigils and sat with family members for nearly 30 years. Lisa Crawford, the administrator of Mother’s of Murdered Offspring, says now everything is being done over the phone to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Crawford says the lack of in-person experience is hurting those who in need of comfort.

“We really do support families of murder victims in a very personal way, one-on, one. It’s really hard to do that right now, and be responsible of the fact that we need to wear a mask,” she said. “We know what a hug does. We know what looking someone in the eye and holding their hand and letting them talk about their loved one, we know what that does for them.”

As of now, there are still 21 homicides this year that are unsolved in Charlotte. If you have any information, you’re asked to call Crimestoppers at 704-334-1600.