Murder Toll Nearly Doubled, Police Say
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From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Authorities say murders in Fresno nearly doubled last year.
In 2001, 40 people were killed--compared with 24 the year before. While the toll is well below the city’s record of 98 homicides in 1993, police say Fresno has big problems with killings stemming from gangs, drugs and robberies.
A majority of the assailants and victims were minority males. Of the 40 slayings, 25 remain unsolved.
Last year, nearby Madera had seven killings, the same as during 2000. Five of the seven killings in 2001 involved gangs and remain unsolved, said Sgt. Ken Alley.
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