Police Chief Cathy Lanier says repeat violent offenders on the streets, an influx of high-powered guns and the prevalence of synthetic drugs are all factors in the homicide increase in the District of Columbia.
Homicides are up 31 percent over the same time last year. Lanier said in an appearance Tuesday on NewsChannel 8's "NewsTalk'' program that arrests for homicide are up 34 percent.
Lanier says some people who've been arrested have had more than a dozen previous arrests for violent crime, including some who've previously been charged with murder.
She says eight slayings have been linked to illegal dice games, including the fatal shooting of an American University student who was apparently caught in crossfire on Saturday.
Lanier says four slayings have been linked to synthetic drugs.
D.C. Chief: Repeat Offenders Driving Increase in Homicides
Copyright AP - Associated Press
