Thirty-eight people lost their lives in shootings, stabbings or brutal beatings across El Paso County in 2017, making it the second deadliest year on record.
The death toll is surpassed only by the 43 killings in 2013, according to records.
Most of the deaths – 31 – were in Colorado Springs, one less than the record of 32 in 2011. And the totals may still climb.
The Police Department has two outstanding death investigations that may end up being classified as homicides, which would raise 2017’s total deaths to 40 and set a city record at 33. Details about those deaths were not released while a determination is pending.
“It saddens us,” police Lt. Howard Black said. “One death is one death too many in our city because of the impact it has.”
Unlike previous years, during which domestic violence, gang violence and drug deals were largely cited as motives in the killings, 2017’s homicides appear more random, bold and bizarre.
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