Nine localities account for more than half of Virginia’s gun-related homicides: report

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A new report shows gun violence is having a significant effect on some of Virginia’s communities and children. 

Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) found that while rates of gun violence are decreasing in Virginia and on par with the national average, gun-related injuries are a leading cause of death among youths and young adults in Virginia. 

“In talking with law enforcement and others, we heard over and over that most of the gun violence they see results from interpersonal disputes. That could be two acquaintances or even strangers getting in an argument, and someone pulls a gun, suddenly escalating that situation to violence,” JLARC’s Chief Legislative Analyst, Mark Gribbin, told lawmakers on Tuesday, Dec. 16. 

JLARC found that nine localities, which are Petersburg, Portsmouth, the city of Richmond, Hopewell, Norfolk, the city of Roanoke, Hampton, Newport News and Danville, account for more than 50% of Virginia’s gun-related homicides. 

“Looking at those nine localities, we found that 65% of gun homicides took place in public areas compared to 38% in the rest of the state,” Gribbin said. 

JLARC said business activity, property values, test scores, graduation and teacher vacancy rates are all negatively impacted in communities with high rates of gun violence. 

“Schools in the nine higher gun violence localities have higher chronic absentee rates, and students are more likely to report feeling unsafe traveling to school and while on school property,” Gribbin said.