Introduction to LA Street Violence
While the number of murders in 2025 has continued a multi-year decline across Los Angeles, the number of killings remained nearly unchanged this year around the Vermont Knolls area and surrounding communities, where 5 people were shot at a strip mall Tuesday, records and crime data show.
Overall Decline in Homicides
As of mid-August, the LAPD had reported 54 fewer homicides citywide as compared with this time last year, but there was only one less murder in the department’s 77th Division this year compared to last, and there was no change in the number of murders between 2023 and 2024 during the same time period.
Reduction in Non-Fatal Violent Assaults
The data from the 77th Division, which patrols the area where the shooting happened, showed a significant decline in the number of non-fatal violent assaults this year, including shootings where victims survived, reporting a 22% reduction in the last month and a 23% reduction compared with last year.
Increase in Gang-Related Killings
According to another LAPD crime data summary prepared last week, there have also been 18 more gang-related killings recorded in 2025 than at this time in 2024.
Recent Shooting Incidents
The Vermont Knolls attack happened around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Five people were shot, and two of them were said to be in critical condition. Multiple law enforcement sources told NBC4 Investigates that detectives believe the shooting may have stemmed from a recent dispute between gangs in the area, and they said security cameras recorded some of what happened.
Investigations and Connections
Investigators were also examining whether there were connections between the Vermont Knolls incident and several other shootings that occurred nearby, including an attack last Saturday on W. 80th Street that left one man dead and two others injured, and another shooting late Tuesday at Century Boulevard and Main Street where a 25-year-old man was murdered, and a second person was wounded.
Mayor’s Response and Strategies
Earlier this summer, LA Mayor Karen Bass said the city was on track to record the fewest homicides in 60 years, based on data from the first half of 2025. “Especially with the summer underway, we will continue to implement comprehensive safety strategies with law enforcement and community organizations to keep Angelenos safe,” Bass said in early July. “That means swiftly responding when crime happens and holding people accountable, while also working to prevent crime from happening in the first place," she said.
Progress in Gang-Related Homicides
Following the Vermont Knolls shooting Bass’ office said that there was a 45% decrease in gang-related homicides since 2023 in areas served by the Gang Reduction and Youth Development office, a program managed by the Mayor.
Conclusion
Despite the overall decline in homicides across Los Angeles, the persistence of violence in certain areas like Vermont Knolls underscores the complexity of addressing crime. The city’s strategies, including community engagement and swift response to incidents, aim to make a difference. However, the recent increase in gang-related killings highlights the need for continued and possibly intensified efforts to combat gang violence.
FAQs
- Q: Has the number of homicides decreased in Los Angeles in 2025?
- A: Yes, the number of homicides has continued a multi-year decline across Los Angeles.
- Q: What happened in the Vermont Knolls area?
- A: Five people were shot at a strip mall, with two in critical condition, in an incident believed to stem from a gang dispute.
- Q: Are there connections between recent shootings in the area?
- A: Investigators are examining possible connections between the Vermont Knolls incident and other nearby shootings.
- Q: What is the city’s approach to reducing crime?
- A: The city is implementing comprehensive safety strategies, including swift response to crime, holding people accountable, and preventing crime through community engagement and programs like the Gang Reduction and Youth Development office.
