Crime Without Punishment | CBS Reports
In this CBS Reports documentary, Jim Axelrod peels back the curtain on a sobering reality of a justice system in crisis: For roughly half of the people murdered in America, no one is arrested for the crime.
Crime Without Punishment
A look at unsolved murders in America
A closer look at disparities in NYPD's homicide clearance rates
In a collaboration with CBS News, we examine a crime often going without punishment in our country. CBS2's Ali Bauman takes a closer look at racial disparities in homicide closure rates at the NYPD.
Oakland, San Francisco see disheartening difference in homicide clearance rates
Barely half of murder cases in the United States get solved. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. Oakland and San Francisco are seeing a large difference on solved cases, as Wilson Walker reports.
She lost two sons to gun violence; five years later, still no arrests
Barely half of murder cases in the U.S. get solved. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. In the mid-1960s, more than 90% of murders were solved, generally resulting in the arrests. By 1990, that percentage fell into the 60s. Then, by 2020, as homicides surged, the national clearance rate dropped to about 50% for the first time ever.
A "coin flip": Nearly half of U.S. murders go unsolved as cases rise
Murders are going unsolved at a historic pace, and police are far less likely to solve cases when the victim is Black or Hispanic, a CBS News investigation has found.
Behind the story: How CBS News analyzed homicide solve rates across U.S.
The investigative team at CBS News wanted to understand how police were addressing this nearly unprecedented spike in murders – and why many were going unsolved.
Baltimore task force trying to solve the crisis of unsolved murder
Officials from more than 20 agencies are working together in a nondescript warehouse, investigating Baltimore's most brazen drug syndicates.
Unsolved murders and the mothers of Jackson, Mississippi
Mothers being asked to investigate the murders of their sons has become a reality in Jackson.
Philly police say "crushing volume" of killings outruns their ability to close cases
CBS News analyzed decades of unsolved murders across the country, and found stark racial disparities in the clearance rates — the share of cases each year that are solved.
Former Dallas police chief hopes police and communities can bridge gaps
Renee Hall, former chief of the Dallas Police Department, is the daughter of a police officer killed in the line of duty.
A closer look at disparities in NYPD's homicide clearance rates
According to data analyzed by CBS News, the national homicide clearance rate has been improving for cases involving white victims, but falling for Black and Hispanic victims.
Detroit homicide clearance rates rise as national rates fall
According to the FBI and the Detroit Police Department, homicide clearance rates in the city have risen as the national average has fallen.
Unsolved murders on the rise, especially for Black, Hispanic victims
An analysis of FBI crime data by CBS 2 has found that LAPD's homicide clearance rate has ebbed over the years in a way that is concerning.
Five years after her brother's murder, one Chicago woman learns justice will never come
Chicago Police have low arrest rates, but higher rates for cleared or closed cases. We dig into what's behind those numbers.
Black and Hispanic murders are less likely to be solved. The reasons why are complicated.
New research by the CBS News Innovation Lab shows the likelihood of a murder being solved in the US is significantly lower when the victims are Black or Hispanic.
How Sacramento County is bucking the national trend of murder cases going unsolved
In a collaboration with CBS News, CBS Sacramento is examining why crime is often going without punishment in our country. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. Barely half of the murder cases in the United States get solved.
Miami police working to increase murder clearance rate
In Miami-Dade, the clearance rate for homicides in 2020 was 43%
The problem behind Boston's unsolved murders
Unsolved murders are a growing concern nationwide.
Homicide clearance rates are dropping in Philadelphia as murder rates skyrocket
The murder rate in Philadelphia was 499 in 2020. That's a 40% increase from 2019.
Homicide clearance rates are declining across the U.S. Baltimore's is down to 42%.
A CBS News analysis of FBI homicide data shows Baltimore City's average clearance rate from 2015 to 2019 was just 38.7%, hitting a low of 29.7% in 2015, the tumultuous year when Freddie Gray was killed in police custody and arrests plummeted.
More murders going unsolved nationally, but Dallas-Fort Worth may be getting less credit than they deserve
Murder, according to the FBI, is the most likely crime to be solved in the US, but nationally the rate of success has been in decline for years.
Pittsburgh homicide clearance rates falling as national rate hits all-time low
In a collaboration with CBS News, KDKA Investigates examines crime often going without punishment in our country.
U.S. unsolved homicide rates soar, and Minneapolis is pacing worse than nat'l average
The day after Terrell Mayes, Jr. celebrated Christmas with his family, the 3-year-old and his siblings heard gunshots. A stray bullet struck Terrell as he ran up the stairs inside his north Minneapolis home. For more than a decade, WCCO has followed his grieving mother's push to find her son's killer.
Denver police's approach to solving homicides has caught national attention
Denver police has made many changes in the decades since the shocking murder of Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, including building a $28 million state-of-the-art crime lab.
Oakland, SF see disheartening difference in homicide clearance rates
In a collaboration with CBS News, KPIX 5 is examining a crime often going without punishment in our country. Barely half of murder cases in the United States get solved.
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Senator warns unauthorized drone flights pose rising threat within U.S.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton of Arkansas told CBS News the threat is "severe and growing."
Food insecurity around the U.S. has risen this year, survey finds
Roughly 14% of U.S. households reported being food insecure between January and October, up from 12.5% in 2024, Purdue University researchers found.
U.S. reaches trade frameworks with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador
The agreements will likely affect the prices of things like cocoa, bananas and coffee.
Blue Origin's New Glenn launches twin Mars probes
Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, plans to challenge SpaceX with the powerful, partially reusable New Glenn rocket.
Emmanuel Clase arrested at JFK, pleads not guilty in pitch rigging case
Clase and his teammate, Luis Ortiz, are both accused of being involved in a "scheme to rig bets on pitches."
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Food insecurity around the U.S. has risen this year, survey finds
Roughly 14% of U.S. households reported being food insecure between January and October, up from 12.5% in 2024, Purdue University researchers found.
U.S. reaches trade frameworks with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador
The agreements will likely affect the prices of things like cocoa, bananas and coffee.
Anthropic says Chinese hackers used its AI chatbot in cyberattacks
State-sponsored cybercriminals used Anthropic's tech to target tech companies, financial institutions and other organizations, AI company alleges.
ByHeart sued by families of infant girls sickened by infantile botulism
One child was rushed to the hospital via air ambulance, her parents said.
Disney warns that its content could remain off YouTube for some time
Disney's channels have been blocked from YouTube TV since Oct. 30 as the two companies negotiate a new carriage deal.
Politics
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Senator warns unauthorized drone flights pose rising threat within U.S.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton of Arkansas told CBS News the threat is "severe and growing."
Alina Habba's office ransacked by man who tried to enter with bat, sources say
Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba's office was violently vandalized Wednesday by a person who earlier in the day had been denied entry to the building because he had a baseball bat, two sources said.
U.S. reaches trade frameworks with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador
The agreements will likely affect the prices of things like cocoa, bananas and coffee.
BBC apologizes to Trump over editing of his Jan. 6 speech in documentary
President Trump had threatened to sue the corporation for $1 billion over a program it aired in 2024 about the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump official refers Swalwell to Justice Department for alleged fraud
Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte has referred California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell to the Justice Department, sources told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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ByHeart sued by families of infant girls sickened by infantile botulism
One child was rushed to the hospital via air ambulance, her parents said.
ByHeart baby formula recalls all products amid growing botulism outbreak
Baby formula manufacturer ByHeart recalled all of its products sold nationwide Tuesday.
Air pollution in India's capital draws protests as schools are shuttered
India's capital Delhi is blanketed in toxic smog every autumn, but the pollution is already so bad that it's drawn protests as authorities tell students to stay home.
Baby formula recall expands as at least 15 infants sickened by botulism
An outbreak of botulism tied to ByHeart baby formula has made at least 15 infants sick in 12 states, a California health official said Monday. Here's what to know.
"They don't return home": U.S. cities fail to curb traffic deaths
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston reported more traffic fatalities than homicides last year.
World
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BBC apologizes to Trump over editing of his Jan. 6 speech in documentary
President Trump had threatened to sue the corporation for $1 billion over a program it aired in 2024 about the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
U.S. issues unusual warning to Americans in Japan: Beware of bear attacks
The State Department said U.S. citizens in Japan should exercise increased caution amid a sharp rise in deadly bear attacks.
U.S. conducts 20th strike on alleged drug boat, killing 4 people
Since September, U.S. forces have destroyed multiple vessels in international waters, killing at least 80 people.
Hitler likely had syndrome that can affect genitals, documentary claims
Researchers behind the "Hitler's DNA" documentary say the Nazi dictator likely had Kallmann Syndrome, a rare genetic condition which can cause undescended testicles and a micropenis.
Popular rapper freed on bail in probe of influencer's death
Rapper Namewee was named a "person of interest" in an investigation into the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, police said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Glen Powell on "The Running Man" role
Glen Powell joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about his role in the new Paramount Pictures thriller "The Running Man," which is based on a Stephen King novel. He talks about the physical demands and how King had to approve him for the role.
Stars of "Eternity" discuss romantic comedy
The new romantic comedy "Eternity" stars Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Miles Teller. Teller plays Larry, who dies unexpectedly and learns about a big decision from his afterlife coordinator, played by Randolph. The two talk about working together, the personal relationships that inspired them for this film and what they want the audience to take away.
Alicia Silverstone on "A Merry Little Ex-Mas"
Actor Alicia Silverstone stars in, and is the executive producer of, "A Merry Little Ex-Mas." She plays a recently divorced mom who is planning the perfect Christmas, until it's interrupted. She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the film, drawing on experiences in her own life for the role and discusses the 30th anniversary of the iconic movie "Clueless."
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" bandleader dies at 59
Jimmy Kimmel announced Cleto Escobedo III, his longtime friend and bandleader of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," has died at 59. Escobedo has been with the show since it premiered in 2003, and he and Kimmel were friends since childhood.
People can't tell AI-generated music from real thing anymore, survey shows
It's become nearly impossible for people to tell the difference between music generated by artificial intelligence and that created by humans, according to a survey of 9,000 people.
Technology
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Anthropic says Chinese hackers used its AI chatbot in cyberattacks
State-sponsored cybercriminals used Anthropic's tech to target tech companies, financial institutions and other organizations, AI company alleges.
People can't tell AI-generated music from real thing anymore, survey shows
It's become nearly impossible for people to tell the difference between music generated by artificial intelligence and that created by humans, according to a survey of 9,000 people.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Exclusive
Google sues China-based hackers over massive text-phishing scams
Google said the fake messages are part of a massive criminal network called "Lighthouse" that has stolen information through phishing and smishing scams.
Embryo testing that predicts height, IQ
Herasight is a genetic screening company that charges $50,000 to allow hopeful parents to analyze embryos for genetic information like lifespan, height and IQ in life.
Science
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Scientists discover new "lucifer" bee with devil-like horns
Kit Prendergast discovered the bee while surveying a critically endangered wildflower and was drawn to the insect's unique appearance.
Promising clinical trials for Alzheimer's
Recent studies have shown new antibody drugs to slow cognitive decline among people with early-onset Alzheimer's – a critical finding, given that the disease as of now has no cure. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook visits Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, which is conducting important research into treating the disease before symptoms arise. The clinical trials involve the 1 to 2 percent of people with Alzheimer's who are genetically predisposed to developing dementia. He also talks with philanthropist Bill Gates, who has already donated $300 million to support Alzheimer's research.
Embryo testing that predicts height, IQ
Herasight is a genetic screening company that charges $50,000 to allow hopeful parents to analyze embryos for genetic information like lifespan, height and IQ in life.
James Watson, co-discoverer of the shape of DNA, dies at 97
James D. Watson, who helped discover the structure of DNA, has died at 97 years old.
Hundreds of dolphins found dead in lake were in water hotter than jacuzzi
"You couldn't put your finger in the water," said the lead author of the study, which spotlights the impacts of planetary warming on aquatic ecosystems.
Crime
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Crime
What we learned from new Epstein emails
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee earlier this week released a tranche of emails from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Barry Levine, a journalist who has covered Epstein for years, joins "The Takeout" to break down what stood out.
Epstein survivor Annie Farmer on files release
The House is expected to vote next week on releasing files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Survivor Annie Farmer joins "The Takeout" to discuss her push for disclosure.
Emmanuel Clase arrested at JFK, pleads not guilty in pitch rigging case
Clase and his teammate, Luis Ortiz, are both accused of being involved in a "scheme to rig bets on pitches."
Shooting at Oakland's Laney College wounds athletic director John Beam
A shooting at Oakland's Laney College injured the school's athletic director and former head football coach, John Beam, profiled in the Netflix docuseries "Last Chance U."
Oklahoma governor calls off man's execution
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has commuted Tremane Wood's sentence before he was set to receive a lethal injection on Thursday. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
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Blue Origin's New Glenn launches twin Mars probes
Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, plans to challenge SpaceX with the powerful, partially reusable New Glenn rocket.
Remote telescope farm helps far away stargazers beat light pollution
Customers send their telescopes to Starfront Observatories, where amateur stargazers can view the night sky unencumbered by artificial light.
Severe geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights to much of U.S.
A severe geomagnetic storm could cause widespread disruption to infrastructure technology and make northern lights visible for much of the northern half of the U.S.
Building the next space station
Astronauts opened the hatch to the International Space Station for the first time 25 years ago. The station will be retired at the end of the decade and there's a new type of space race on to replace it. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reports.
Trump re-nominates billionaire Jared Isaacman to run NASA
President Donald Trump is nominating Jared Isaacman to serve as his NASA administrator after all.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Did the Cold War really end?
The new book "The Dark Side of the Earth" takes a deep dive into the fall of the Soviet Union and what it calls Russia's "short-lived victory over totalitarianism." Author Mikhail Zygar joins "The Takeout" to discuss why he believes the Cold War never ended.
Judge finds ICE illegally arrested hundreds
A federal judge has ruled that hundreds of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during "Operation Midway Blitz" in the Chicago area must be released. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.
Heritage Foundation leader facing backlash
The president of the Heritage Foundation, an influential conservative think tank, is facing internal backlash for defending Tucker Carlson's interview with white nationalist and holocaust denier Nick Fuentes. Michael Warren, senior editor at The Dispatch, joins "The Takeout" with analysis.
Judge weighs Comey, James dismissal motions
A high-stakes hearing played out in a Virginia courtroom on Thursday over whether the federal charges brought against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James should be dismissed. CBS News Department justice reporter Jake Rosen and CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson break it down.
Shutdown ends without health care subsidies
For the first time in six weeks, the U.S. government is open. President Trump signed a bill last night to fund the government through the end of January. CBS News' Taurean Small has more from Capitol Hill.