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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Trump hosting Kennedy Center Honors, a first for a president
President Trump is hosting the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday after presenting medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony Saturday.
Stabbing on North Carolina train draws Trump's attention; suspect arrested
A suspect accused of stabbing a man on a Charlotte Area Transit System commuter train on Friday is undocumented and was previously deported, according to authorities.
Fine against Southwest for 2022 winter storm cancellations waived by DOT
Under a 2023 settlement reached by the Biden administration, Southwest agreed to a $140 million civil penalty after the company canceled thousands of flights during a winter storm in 2022.
Omar: Any link between alleged Somali fraud and terrorism would be a "failure of the FBI"
Rep. Ilhan Omar told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that if allegations of a connection between tax dollars and terrorism are true, "that is a failure of the FBI and our court system."
Trump slams Rep. Cuellar for running again as a Democrat after pardon
President Trump took aim at Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democratic congressman from Texas whom he recently pardoned, in a Truth Social post.
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Fine against Southwest for 2022 winter storm cancellations waived by DOT
Under a 2023 settlement reached by the Biden administration, Southwest agreed to a $140 million civil penalty after the company canceled thousands of flights during a winter storm in 2022.
210,000 power banks sold on Amazon recalled over fire and burn risks
The recall involves INIU 100,000mAh portable power banks, model BI-B41that were sold on Amazon between August 2021 and April 2022, the recall notice says.
2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus
Who dresses as St. Nick and speaks an odd brogue? Why, it's Techno Claus (a.k.a. David Pogue)! He offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his valuable tips for the gadget lovers on your gift-giving list.
For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
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Trump hosting Kennedy Center Honors, a first for a president
President Trump is hosting the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday after presenting medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony Saturday.
Jurors in sandwich thrower case talk about their deliberations
Sean Dunn, who threw a "submarine-style sandwich" at a CBP officer in downtown D.C. in July was found not guilty of misdemeanor assault in November.
Fine against Southwest for 2022 winter storm cancellations waived by DOT
Under a 2023 settlement reached by the Biden administration, Southwest agreed to a $140 million civil penalty after the company canceled thousands of flights during a winter storm in 2022.
Omar: Any link between alleged Somali fraud and terrorism would be a "failure of the FBI"
Rep. Ilhan Omar told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that if allegations of a connection between tax dollars and terrorism are true, "that is a failure of the FBI and our court system."
Trump slams Rep. Cuellar for running again as a Democrat after pardon
President Trump took aim at Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democratic congressman from Texas whom he recently pardoned, in a Truth Social post.
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Controversial appointee rocks FDA like "an atom bomb," scientists there say
The Trump administration's elevation of Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg to lead a high-profile office within the Food and Drug Administration is raising alarm among multiple senior FDA officials.
California warns against foraging mushrooms after cluster of poisonings, 1 death
California's public health department said one person has died and several others have suffered severe liver damage due to eating toxic mushrooms that were foraged.
Artist who fought for diagnosis turns incurable cancer journey into art
Nardiz Cooke was immediately transfixed by the mask she wore while receiving treatment for late-stage cancer.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
World
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Transcript: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Indonesian zoo releases photos of the first panda cub born in the country
A zoo on Java island has released photos of Indonesia's first locally born giant panda cub.
Transcript: Rep. Ilhan Omar on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Ilhan Omar, Democrat of Minnesota, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Transcript: Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who now serves on the boards of Pfizer and United Healthcare, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Transcript: Rep. Jim Himes on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
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Trump hosting Kennedy Center Honors, a first for a president
President Trump is hosting the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday after presenting medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony Saturday.
Book excerpt: "The Colonel and the King" by Peter Guralnick
Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick's latest book traces the relationship between the King and Colonel Tom Parker, a manager whose marketing savvy helped launch a rock 'n' roll revolution.
Author Jan Karon on returning to Mitford: "I know that we don't have forever anymore"
The bestselling author had said she would no longer write novels set in the make-believe mountain village of Mitford. After the death of her daughter, she wrote through her grief – which led to her 15th Mitford book, "My Beloved."
Author Jan Karon on returning to Mitford
Novelist Jan Karon has written 25 bestsellers, including 15 about a make-believe mountain village, Mitford – stories in which the humanity of her characters is evoked in what she calls "a place of refuge." Karon talks with Faith Salie about discovering her voice as a writer at a very young age; the comforting qualities of her stories; and how the death of her daughter, Candace, led to her latest Mitford book, "My Beloved."
Extended interview: Ethan Hawke
In this web exclusive, actor Ethan Hawke talks with Tracy Smith about his first experiences with Broadway. He also discusses his films "Explorers," "Dead Poets Society," "Reality Bites," "Training Day," and his latest, "Blue Moon," Leonardo DiCaprio's success, and his obsession with Jack Nicholson's performance in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
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Technology
2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus
Who dresses as St. Nick and speaks an odd brogue? Why, it's Techno Claus, a.k.a. David Pogue! He offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his valuable tips for the gadget lovers on your gift-giving list.
There's a new face in Hollywood, generated by AI
Tilly Norwood is unlike any other aspiring TV or movie star: Tilly is entirely generated by artificial intelligence. What might that mean for the media industry?
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.
There's a new face in Hollywood, generated by AI
Tilly Norwood is unlike any other aspiring TV or movie star: Tilly is entirely generated by artificial intelligence. Jo Ling Kent talks with Tilly's creator, Eline Van der Velden, about her goal of producing "the Scarlett Johansson of the AI genre." Kent also talks with Kevin Reilly, CEO of Kartel ai, a Beverly Hills tech startup; and with SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin, about the impact of AI on Hollywood and the actors' union.
Waymo says its cars are better at avoiding crashes
Waymo has released new data showing its robotaxis were involved in 91% fewer serious crashes when compared to human drivers. CBS News' Elizabeth Cook rode along in a Waymo with Politico economic policy reporter Yasmin Khorram to unpack the report.
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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Stabbing on North Carolina train draws Trump's attention; suspect arrested
A suspect accused of stabbing a man on a Charlotte Area Transit System commuter train on Friday is undocumented and was previously deported, according to authorities.
Teen's sister looks to TikTok to help solve 25-year-old murder mystery
With her posts and pleas on TikTok, Molly Bish's sister hopes she will generate new tips that will finally solve her sister's Massachusetts murder case and put an end to a painful decades-old mystery.
How did teen Danni Houchins die? Her family's search for the truth
For years, the death of 15-year-old Danielle "Danni" Houchins had been shrouded in mystery. Montana investigators initially said it could have been a tragic accident, but her family always suspected something more sinister.
20,000-pound cocaine seizure by Coast Guard breaks 18-year-old record
Video shows Coast Guard vehicles pursuing a go-fast vessel that appeared to have multiple people aboard.
Latest details on 2021 pipe bomb suspect
The man suspected of placing pipe bombs around Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, had his first court appearance on Friday after he was arrested Thursday following a five-year manhunt. A judge ordered the suspect to remain in jail pending future hearings.
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Wild horse prison program ending in Colorado
The end is near for a decades-long program that allowed incarcerated men in Colorado the chance to care for mustangs rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management. Kati Weis has more.
Debt levels growing amid holiday shopping
Economists say holiday spending is growing over last year, but at a slower pace. Americans are facing higher prices without seeing more in their paychecks and that's leading to tough decisions at the register. Lisa Rozner has more.
Bethlehem lights up 65-foot Christmas tree
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza has meant a return to some normalcy in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Imtiaz Tyab reports from the city of Bethlehem.
Russia praises Trump's national security plan
Russia is welcoming President Trump's new U.S. national security strategy, calling it largely consistent with Moscow's "vision." Leigh Kiniry reports.
Calls for video of second strike on boat
Some lawmakers are calling for the release of video showing the second strike that killed survivors of an initial U.S. military attack last September against an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. Willie James Inman reports.