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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Air traffic controller saves day when 2 jets with same call number converge
An air traffic controller's quick thinking helped avert a dangerous situation when two jets, one landing in Phoenix and the other simultaneously taking off, shared the same flight number and radio frequency.
Why freshmen at one high school give their mothers a goodbye kiss on their first day
For the last 26 years at Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the seniors surround the cars of the incoming freshmen and don't let them out until they do one specific thing: give their mothers a goodbye kiss.
Army temporarily grounds Apache helicopter training flights after deadly crash
The U.S. Army said Friday it is temporarily halting Apache helicopter training flights after two soldiers were killed earlier this week in a crash near Fort Hood, Texas.
Hormuz chaos highlights risks for other global trade chokepoints
The war in Iran has underscored how disruptions to a key shipping route thousands of miles away can have a material impact on American consumers.
FDA upgrades egg recall linked to salmonella to highest risk level
U.S. food regulators say 1.6 million cartons of recalled eggs can "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
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Hormuz chaos highlights risks for other global trade chokepoints
The war in Iran has underscored how disruptions to a key shipping route thousands of miles away can have a material impact on American consumers.
FDA upgrades egg recall linked to salmonella to highest risk level
U.S. food regulators say 1.6 million cartons of recalled eggs can "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
How to get a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by Supreme Court
The U.S. has refunded more than $100 billion in illegal tariffs to businesses, and some of that money is going to consumers — here's what to know.
Walmart tomato soup kits recalled over Listeria risk, FDA says
The 14oz soup kits were distributed at Walmart stores in 29 states between June 30 and July 7, according to the FDA.
See how much renters pay for a 2-bedroom home in 50 U.S. cities
Nearly half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Here's what it costs to rent a two-bedroom home in 50 U.S. cities.
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Army temporarily grounds Apache helicopter training flights after deadly crash
The U.S. Army said Friday it is temporarily halting Apache helicopter training flights after two soldiers were killed earlier this week in a crash near Fort Hood, Texas.
First on CBS
Inside "the Pool": Fugitive arrested in alleged cross-border car trade scheme
Along the Texas-Mexico border, prosecutors say a group of businessmen found a way to monopolize the trade of used cars — a scheme called "the Pool." This week, authorities say they caught one alleged member.
First on CBS
Justice Department expands military's power to detain migrants near border
The Justice Department issued a legal opinion giving the U.S. military broader powers to detain migrants near certain areas along the southern border.
Feds charge woman for allegedly vandalizing World War II Memorial in D.C.
The top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., said a woman has been arrested and faces two felony charges related to vandalism of the World War II Memorial.
Trump asks Supreme Court to intervene in White House ballroom legal fight
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the legal battle over President Trump's White House ballroom.
HealthWatch
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My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
Hospitals push for upfront payments as healthcare costs rise
Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.
World
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At least 5 dead after powerful earthquake strikes Indonesia
Indonesian authorities issued, then lifted, a tsunami warning after the powerful earthquake hit Saturday morning.
Ex-Cambridge professor dies week after resigning amid plagiarism allegations
Jason Arday, who was Cambridge's youngest Black professor, died in London on Friday, the school said.
Russian tanker leaking oil off Oman coast, threatening environmental disaster
The Caroline Bezengi, linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet, is carrying millions of gallons of oil and has run aground off the coast of Oman.
Golfer Jessica Bang, 18, dies while preparing for tournament in Thailand
Jessica Bang collapsed on Aug. 1 as she was preparing in Thailand for a tournament and was transported to a hospital in Bangkok.
Warship that sank in 1908 found off U.K.: "Undisturbed for 118 years"
The Royal Navy and shipwreck hunters have been searching in vain for the remains of HMS Tiger for over a century.
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Entertainment
"Paw Patrol" cast previews movie
Natalie Morales speaks to some of the stars behind the new film, "Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie." They explain what they love about the franchise and what they hope the audience takes away from the movie.
Becky G gives behind-the-scenes look
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King went inside a rehearsal with singer Becky G as she gives fans a sneak peek at a new single before her upcoming album's release.
Recipe: Amish Peanut Butter Pie
Lovina Hershberger Zook, who left the Amish faith, today shares recipes of the Amish with her more than six million followers on social media.
"CBS Sunday Morning" launches new series of live events at the 92nd Street Y in NYC, debuting with Sylvester Stallone
America's #1 Sunday morning news program announces a new collaboration beginning Sept. 28 to bring conversations with the biggest newsmakers in the arts, politics and culture to the stage, and streamed online.
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Becky G reflects on advocacy in new music, rise to fame
Becky G spoke exclusively with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King about her rise to fame, being the breadwinner of the family at a young age and her new music.
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French teen social media ban struck down by top constitutional authority
France's social media ban, which was due to take effect on Sept. 1, would have barred younger users from networks such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
Using AI in your romantic relationships
AI is making its way into people's love lives - some say it has helped to improve their conversations while others have used it to end a relationship. Dr. Sue Varma discusses how to use AI properly, set boundaries and identify warning signs of becoming too emotionally dependent.
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.
Flock CEO on misuse concerns
Flock CEO Garrett Langley sat down with CBS News' Anna Schecter and discussed allegations of the technology's misuse by law enforcement.
Schools curb technology use in classroom
As students across the country head back to the classroom, some schools, educators and parents are rethinking how much they utilize technology and screen time. Nicole Valdes has more.
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Science
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
How a total solar eclipse stopped a war
Columbia University astronomy professor Dr. Janna Levin joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse, saying it's a reminder that humans share this Earth together and "we're all part of something larger."
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Crime
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Crime
Luigi Mangione's Guilty Plea, Explained
A major development in the Luigi Mangione case: after previously pleading not guilty to federal stalking charges, Mangione changed his plea to guilty and also admitted to shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal analyst Caroline Polisi and CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman examine what changed, why the plea change matters, and what comes next in the state murder case.
Arrests made in $10 million art heist
Three masterworks lifted off the walls of an Italian museum last March have been recovered, and five accused thieves have been arrested. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Latest on Luigi Mangione guilty plea
On Friday, Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, describing how he tracked down and shot him. Tom Hanson has the story and Caroline Polisi offers her legal analysis.
New FBI stats show 2025 drop in violent crime
President Trump is touting the FBI's newest crime numbers which showed a significant drop in violent crime in 2025. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
What to know after Luigi Mangione guilty plea
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty on Friday to federal charges for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Space
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New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
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Trump asks Supreme Court to intervene on ballroom
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Friday to intervene and allow him to construct a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom in place of the demolished White House East Wing. CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports.
Luigi Mangione's Guilty Plea, Explained
A major development in the Luigi Mangione case: after previously pleading not guilty to federal stalking charges, Mangione changed his plea to guilty and also admitted to shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal analyst Caroline Polisi and CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman examine what changed, why the plea change matters, and what comes next in the state murder case.
USS Washington to replace USS Lincoln
The USS Washington is on its way to replace the USS Lincoln in the United States' fight against Iran in the Middle East following reports of mental health issues and poor conditions on board. CBS News' Samantha Vinograd has more.
Blue Star Families official on toll of deployment
Maggie Meza, executive director of the Blue Star Families Southern California chapter, joins CBS News to discuss the toll of having a loved one deployed as concerns continue to rise about conditions on the USS Lincoln.
New video shows fighter jet crash
A new video shows the moment a fighter jet crashed into a mountain in Washington State in June. The pilot survived. Mark Strassmann has the details.