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.
U.S.
More U.S.
White House to appeal judge's order to remove Trump's name from Kennedy Center
The board move marks a shift from a June 4 memo to staff saying email signatures, letterhead and other documents must reflect the name as "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" or "Kennedy Center."
1 killed in Iowa as severe storms, suspected tornadoes slam Midwest
Severe storms that swept through the Midwest late Thursday knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of customers, damaged buildings and canceled flights.
SpaceX's first employee remains on mission: "Space is super important"
Tom Mueller, Elon Musk's first hire at SpaceX, expects the company's IPO to help power a new era in space exploration.
Proposed data center near Nashville Zoo sparks heavy pushback
Residents packed a public hearing in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday, looking to stop a nearly 70,000-square-foot data center from being built near the Nashville Zoo.
She confided in ChatGPT the night of her suicide. Now, her mother is suing OpenAI.
A mother has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the chatbot's design led to her daughter's suicide.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
SpaceX's first employee remains on mission: "Space is super important"
Tom Mueller, Elon Musk's first hire at SpaceX, expects the company's IPO to help power a new era in space exploration.
The World Cup will draw millions of fans, but economic payoff is modest
Although the five-week soccer tournament starting on Thursday is the largest sporting event ever, the U.S. economic gains are likely to be muted.
Wholesale prices see biggest spike since 2022 as energy costs climb
A surge in the Producer Price Index signals that businesses are paying more for goods and services, which could push up consumer costs.
GoPro under intense pressure from rising costs and competition
GoPro cameras have enabled the adventurous to record images of their experiences for nearly 25 years. But the company is under extreme pressure from intensifying competition, rising costs and more.
In a tough economy, many U.S. teachers forced to work second jobs
According to a recent survey, 71% of U.S. public school teachers said they work at least one second job.
Politics
More Politics
White House to appeal judge's order to remove Trump's name from Kennedy Center
The board move marks a shift from a June 4 memo to staff saying email signatures, letterhead and other documents must reflect the name as "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" or "Kennedy Center."
U.S.-Iran memo of understanding likely to be signed next week, sources say
The signing of the memorandum or letter of intent would kick off 60 days of talks to negotiate details of an enduring U.S.-Iran agreement.
Supreme Court declines to let Alabama move forward with nitrogen gas execution
The Supreme Court declined a request from Alabama to move forward with a scheduled execution using nitrogen hypoxia, with Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissenting.
Markings that appear to show "86 47" seen on National Mall
A photographer from the Reuters news outlet saw the apparent "86 47" markings from atop the Washington Monument.
Trump taps prosecutor Jay Clayton as next director of national intelligence
Jay Clayton is currently the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient
The FDA approved a new ingredient for sunscreen that's been in use in Europe for years. Dr. Jon LaPook has more details.
New sunscreen option wins FDA approval after years of delay
A sunscreen ingredient that's been available in Europe, Japan and South Korea for years has finally been approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S.
Safety concerns over weight loss drug
There's a new safety concern about doctors prescribing one experimental weight loss treatment, retatrutide, that hasn't even been FDA approved yet. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
How an experimental weight-loss drug is being openly promoted by physicians
Doctors are jumping the gun to prescribe a medication lacking FDA approval that has gone viral on social media. "Why are we waiting?" one physician asked.
The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs
Approved 20 years ago as a diabetes treatment, GLP-1 drugs have been found to help patients reduce weight, changing the lives of more than 30 million people in the U.S. But there also have been troubling side effects reported.
World
More World
Thai princess dies at age 47 after 3 years in hospital
Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, a lawyer and the eldest of the king's seven children, has died at 47 after three years in a hospital, royal officials said. She was an advocate for women's rights.
U.S.-Iran memo of understanding likely to be signed next week, sources say
The signing of the memorandum or letter of intent would kick off 60 days of talks to negotiate details of an enduring U.S.-Iran agreement.
World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira and a home team victory
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony festivities got underway a little over an hour before the first kickoff in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.
Exclusive
U.S. monitoring Chinese activity in South China Sea around disputed shoal
Analysts are scrutinizing recent Chinese maritime operations near Scarborough Shoal, an uninhabited but strategically located atoll near the Philippine island of Luzon, U.S. officials said.
U.S. cruise passengers accused of assaulting police in Bahamas
Four police officers were injured, including one who was taken to the hospital, authorities said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
KISS on Songwriters Hall of Fame induction
KISS' Paul Stanley says it's an honor to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame along with his band member Gene Simmons. "This is what the American dream is about," Simmons tells "CBS Mornings."
2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with 3 opening ceremonies
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
G Flip on song becoming a hit in "Off Campus"
Musician G Flip first rose to fame in Australia but has become a global star since their song "Bed of Fire" appeared in the series "Off Campus." They speak to "CBS Mornings" about how the song's popularity has impacted their music, family support and advice for young artists.
Amazon's best books of the year so far
Amazon Books editorial director Sarah Gelman joins "CBS Mornings" to reveal Amazon's best books of the year so far and why they made the list.
Pope Leo met with Bad Bunny in Spain
Pope Leo XIV met with music superstar Bad Bunny in Spain as the pontiff continues his multi-city tour. CBS News' Chris Livesay reports.
Technology
More Technology
She confided in ChatGPT the night of her suicide. Now, her mother is suing OpenAI.
A mother has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the chatbot's design led to her daughter's suicide.
Poll: Most believe extraterrestrial life exists – and some think it's already here
Many have watched recently released UFO videos, but most still think the government knows more than it is saying.
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.
Diving into smart glasses' pros and cons
Major tech players are racing to put AI on your face, literally, with smart glasses. Ziad Asghar, senior vice president and general manager of XR, Wearables and Personal AI for Qualcomm, joins CBS News to discuss.
America's birth rate has plunged. Are smartphones to blame?
The iPhone was introduced in 2007, the same year the U.S. birth rate started to slide. The issues could be linked, a new analysis finds.
Science
More Science
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Crime
More Crime
Exclusive
Relative of suspect in Anna Kepner's killing calls for her parents to face charges
Timothy Hudson, 16, is accused of sexually assaulting and killing Anna Kepner, his 18-year-old stepsister, while the family was on a cruise.
Relative of teen charged in Anna Kepner killing speaks out
The step-grandmother of Timothy Hudson, the 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner, who has been charged in her death and sexual assault, says Kepner's father and stepmother should be charged with parental neglect.
Supreme Court declines to let Alabama move forward with nitrogen gas execution
The Supreme Court declined a request from Alabama to move forward with a scheduled execution using nitrogen hypoxia, with Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissenting.
Karmelo Anthony's family says "nobody wins" after murder verdict
Karmelo Anthony's mother Kala Hayes told CBS News that her son "didn't mean to hurt anyone" and "was defending himself" when he stabbed another student, Austin Metcalf.
U.S. cruise passengers accused of assaulting police in Bahamas
Four police officers were injured, including one who was taken to the hospital, authorities said.
Space
More Space
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
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?
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
How Americans are coping with rising costs
As the war in Iran continues and prices keep rising, CBS News is following stories about everyday Americans finding new ways to cope with the increasing costs.
Employers seeking critical thinking skills
As artificial intelligence cements its role across more U.S. job sectors, career training experts say the technology is actually reviving the need for liberal arts skills and diminishing the need for more traditional technical skills. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more.
Midwest battered by dangerous storms
Severe weather broke out in the Midwest on Thursday, day three of a multi-day threat. More than 120 million people are in the path of potentially dangerous storms. In Des Moines, a man was killed after a tree broke apart and fell on him as storms passed through. Rob Marciano reports and has the forecast.
What comes next if Iran agreement finalized?
President Trump announced Thursday that the U.S.had reached a "settlement" with Iran that would begin talks to possibly end the war. Andrew Borene, a senior fellow at the National Security Institute and a former senior intelligence official, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
6/11: The Takeout with Major Garrett
U.S. and Iran expected to have 60 days to reach deal upon letter of intent signing; Thune under pressure from Trump to fire Senate parliamentarian.