Across the United States, a significant number of murders remain unsolved. This means that for many victims, there is no justice. An official police investigation is always started after a murder, but finding the killer is not guaranteed.
The rate at which murders are solved has been dropping. In 2022, only about half of all murder cases in the country were 'cleared,' which usually means an arrest was made. [2, 7] This low rate is a serious issue that affects the entire country.
For the families left behind, the pain is immense. They must live with the knowledge that the person who caused so much suffering was never caught. This lack of closure can be devastating and lasts for years. [3, 10]
Furthermore, when killers get away with their crimes, it can lead to more violence. Criminals may feel that they will not face consequences for their actions. This erodes trust in the police and makes communities feel less safe for everyone. [1, 8]