Gang Violence at Historic Lows, But Fear Remains After Murder of 14-Year-Old

Despite drop in gang-related crime, "there's a gang problem," says LA County Assistant Sheriff Jim Hellmold.

The recent death of 14-year-old Alicia Gomez has left the Compton community in shock.

 Gomez was a Compton street gang member. She was shot and killed on Saturday while riding her bike.
 
 
Despite the recent headline-making news, gang violence is down, according to Los Angeles County Assistant Sheriff Jim Hellmold.
 

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Hellmold presented new data on gang trends at a Sheriff’s Department meeting on Monday.
 
According to the Sheriff’s Department, 2013 has “historic lows in violent crime” – overall, violent crime is down 9.29 percent, and there are reductions in crime in nearly every single category, including homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and property crimes.
 
Gang violence peaked in 2005-2006. But just because the numbers are down, doesn’t mean Los Angeles is safe.
 
“I think there's a gang problem. Absolutely,” says Hellmold. “While it would be a significant reduction in numbers, one homicide is too many.”
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