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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Powell to attend Supreme Court arguments over Trump's move to fire Lisa Cook
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday over President Trump's attempt to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors.
Are you a homeowner? See which tax deductions you might qualify for.
It will mostly be business as usual for homeowners this tax season. However, new changes introduced under the "big, beautiful bill" may affect how they file.
Woman died after riding Revenge of the Mummy coaster at Universal Orlando
A Florida agency's latest report on theme park injuries says a woman died after becoming unresponsive on Universal Studios' Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster.
Chicken sold in 7 states recalled for potential listeria contamination
Thousands of pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products have been recalled due to potential contamination with listeria, officials say. The products were sold in 7 states.
What's open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026?
Most stores on Monday are open during their regular business hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with a few exceptions.
MoneyWatch
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Are you a homeowner? See which tax deductions you might qualify for.
It will mostly be business as usual for homeowners this tax season. However, new changes introduced under the "big, beautiful bill" may affect how they file.
What to know about the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos
Nearly 3,000 high-level participants from business, government and beyond are converging on the Swiss town of Davos for the annual meeting.
Chicken sold in 7 states recalled for potential listeria contamination
Thousands of pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products have been recalled due to potential contamination with listeria, officials say. The products were sold in 7 states.
What's open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026?
Most stores on Monday are open during their regular business hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with a few exceptions.
Here are the hurdles Trump faces in his push for low interest rates and a friendly Fed
As the president prepares to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he's made no secret of his goal for lower interest rates — but there are a few political roadblocks in the way.
Politics
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Powell to attend Supreme Court arguments over Trump's move to fire Lisa Cook
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday over President Trump's attempt to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors.
Trump links Greenland standoff with allies to perceived Nobel snub
As his standoff with America's closest allies escalates, President Trump says not getting the Nobel Peace Prize means he's no longer obligated "to think purely of Peace."
DOJ probing protesters group that disrupted services at church with ICE pastor
The Justice Dept. says it's investigating a group of protesters in Minnesota who disrupted services at a church where a local ICE official apparently serves as a pastor.
Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 18, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey join Margaret Brennan.
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Doctor's tips to help dry winter skin
Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist, joins "CBS Mornings" to share her tips for saving your dry winter skin.
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
World
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New surveillance video shows Louvre jewel heist in action
The video shows burglars slicing into display cases under the eyes of several Louvre Museum staff members who do not intervene.
Valentino Garavani, iconic fashion designer, dies at age 93
Valentino Garavani's high-glamour gowns were fashion show staples for nearly half a century.
Iran says youths "deceived" into protesting can surrender for "leniency"
Iran's police chief says young people who joined protests were "deceived," and if they surrender within three days, they "will be treated with leniency."
Norway princess's son, accused of raping 4 women, faces new charges
Marius Borg Hoiby, who is accused of raping four women, has been charged with new crimes, including a "serious narcotics offense," prosecutors said.
What to know about the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos
Nearly 3,000 high-level participants from business, government and beyond are converging on the Swiss town of Davos for the annual meeting.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Billy Bob Thornton on "Landman" popularity
Billy Bob Thornton joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the second season of the hit series "Landman," which he stars in as oil executive Tommy Norris. Thornton talks about his immediate chemistry with Ali Larter and why the show resonates with viewers.
Prince Harry in U.K. for court case accusing tabloids of illegal snooping
The publisher of the Daily Mail tabloid denies claims by Prince Harry and other celebrities of "unlawful information gathering."
Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks: "Probably the funniest person of all time"
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like the director of such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol: "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!"
Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like Mel Brooks, the filmmaker of such comedy classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol, "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" Apatow talks with Tracy Smith about the World War II veteran who broke comedy taboos by lampooning Nazis and racists, and about Brooks' long friendship with another comic legend, Carl Reiner.
Stellan Skarsgård on acting: "It is like being a child … you never grow up"
The Swedish actor has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Mamma Mia!" to "Andor." He talks about his Golden Globe-winning performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his actress-daughters.
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Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
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.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
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New surveillance video shows Louvre jewel heist in action
The video shows burglars slicing into display cases under the eyes of several Louvre Museum staff members who do not intervene.
Police arrest person in Tennessee murder
Police made a third arrest in connection with the murder of a Tennessee man who was linked to the religious group "His Way Spirit Led Assemblies," based in Inland Empire, California. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more details.
Legal analysis on DOJ Minnesota probe
U.S. officials tell CBS News that the Justice Department has opened an investigation into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Judge, wife shot and wounded at home in Lafayette, Indiana
A judge and his wife were shot and wounded in their home over the weekend in Lafayette, Indiana.
Norway princess's son, accused of raping 4 women, faces new charges
Marius Borg Hoiby, who is accused of raping four women, has been charged with new crimes, including a "serious narcotics offense," prosecutors said.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Countdown to new lunar mission
NASA says it could be just weeks away from launching astronauts on a flight around the moon for the first time in more than half a century. Final preparations are underway at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the Artemis II moon rocket is expected to roll out to the launch pad on Saturday.
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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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
Shapiro: Harris team asked if he was Israeli agent
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro says former Vice President Kamala Harris' team asked him if he was a double agent for Israel while he was being vetted to be her running mate. Political strategists John McCarthy and Lance Trover join with analysis.
Trump cites Nobel snub in Greenland effort
President Trump is tying his unsuccessful bid for the Nobel Peace Prize to his efforts to acquire Greenland. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has the details. Then, William C. Banks, professor of law emeritus at Syracuse University, joins to examine the legality of the U.S. acquiring Greenland.
New poll as Trump nears 1 year back in office
Tuesday marks one year of President Trump's second term, and new CBS News poll numbers show dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and immigration. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto breaks down the findings.
Minneapolis ICE protests continue
Approximately 1,500 American troops in Alaska are on standby for orders to deploy to Minneapolis as anti-ICE protests continue. CBS News correspondent Ian Lee is on the ground with the latest. Then, CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins to assess President Trump's potential use of the Insurrection Act.
EU weighs "trade bazooka" in response to Trump
President Trump's push to take over Greenland has escalated into a trade dispute that's sparking anger across Europe. Philip Luck, director of the Economics Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins with analysis.