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Philly’s homicide crisis in 2021 featured more guns, more retaliatory shootings, and a decline in arrests and convictions

The reasons behind the city's record-setting homicide total this year could take years to sort out, experts say. But data can help explain some aspects of what happened.

Philadelphia police investigate a double shooting on the 1500 South Cleveland St., in Philadelphia, Friday, September 3, 2021. Gun violence spiked in 2020 and 2021, contributing to Philadelphia recording more homicides this year than ever before.
Philadelphia police investigate a double shooting on the 1500 South Cleveland St., in Philadelphia, Friday, September 3, 2021. Gun violence spiked in 2020 and 2021, contributing to Philadelphia recording more homicides this year than ever before.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer