Report: L.A. Murders At 28-Year Low

Police Project Fewer Than 400 Homicides This Year

LOS ANGELES, Posted 10:35 p.m. September 29, 1998 -- For the first time in nearly three decades, Los Angeles is expected to have fewer than 400 murders this year.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Bernard Parks told the Police Commission today that so far this year there has been a 27 percent decrease in homicides from 1997, reported The Associated Press.

Sergeant Willie Guerrero said with 307 killings as of last Saturday, the city is on its way to having fewer than 400 slayings by year's end -- the lowest number since 1970.

"It's great news. It shows that everyone is working together," Guerrero told AP.

Authorities also said the number of officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles declined by 22 percent from 1993 to 1997, despite hiring 26 percent more officers.

Compiled by Channel 2000 Staff