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.
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Wander Franco found criminally responsible for abusing minor, avoids jail time
A Dominican judge has ruled that Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but will not serve a sentence.
1,500 strangers attend WWII veteran's funeral
Veterans service officer Terrance O'Keefe put out a call from Massachusetts for a World War II veteran who needed a proper hero's send-off. When he arrived at the funeral, a line was already out the church door.
Residents near California chemical tank forced to flee: "You're freaking out"
Emergency crews raced overnight to prevent a tank holding a volatile industrial chemical from exploding at an aerospace facility in Southern California.
Buying a car? Here are some tips to save money.
Here are the financial considerations to make when shopping for a new vehicle amid high car prices.
Here's what the draft memo for a proposed deal with Iran includes
A draft memorandum includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and the halt of fighting on all fronts, sources say.
MoneyWatch
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Buying a car? Here are some tips to save money.
Here are the financial considerations to make when shopping for a new vehicle amid high car prices.
What's open and closed for Memorial Day 2026?
Most retail stores will be open for business on Memorial Day, while post offices will be closed. Here's what to know.
AI is driving more job cuts and weighing on hiring, economists say
Economists say AI is reshaping the U.S. labor market by suppressing hiring even as overall job losses remain limited.
House lawmakers launch insider trading probe into Kalshi and Polymarket
Rep. James Comer is requesting information from Kalshi and Polymarket on how the prediction markets guard against insider trading.
Kevin Warsh sworn in as new Fed chair, replacing Powell
Kevin Warsh has vowed to preserve the Fed's independence over monetary policy, telling lawmakers he will never "predetermine" interest rates at the president's request.
Politics
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Here's what the draft memo for a proposed deal with Iran includes
A draft memorandum includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and the halt of fighting on all fronts, sources say.
AG requests to resume ballroom construction, citing latest shooting
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the ballroom is "being constructed for the physical safety and security of all Presidents, their families, staff, Foreign Dignitaries, and guests."
DOJ says it scrubbed news releases about Jan. 6 criminal cases from its website
The Justice Department acknowledges it has removed from its website news releases about criminal cases related to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot, calling the information "partisan propaganda."
Vietnam vets say opposing Trump's arch is about being "loyal to the country"
"I think it's just disrespectful to those that I served with who didn't come back," a veteran suing to stop construction of the arch told CBS News.
N.J. governor requests access to Delaney Hall ICE facility amid protests
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is asking ICE to let her inside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark.
HealthWatch
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Second Ebola treatment center set on fire in epicenter of disease's outbreak
Angry residents of a town at the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo attacked and burned a tent that was part of a health center where people are being treated for the virus.
The latest details on the Ebola outbreak
Officials have increased the number of countries in Africa at risk for Ebola from three to 10. A third entry point is open for Americans traveling from certain high-risk countries back into the U.S. Holly Williams reports.
What to know about the chemical tank in California that forced evacuations
The tank at GKN Aerospace is estimated to contain 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a volatile chemical used to produce plastics.
Ebola kills 3 Red Cross workers in the Congo, organization says
The three workers, who fell ill in March and died in May, were "among the first known victims of the outbreak," the Red Cross said.
Teen's mystery illness solved: "It took 18 years to get an answer"
Lucia Adarve had a long list of symptoms that no one could diagnose. Her mother Lisa was determined to find an answer.
World
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Wander Franco found criminally responsible for abusing minor, avoids jail time
A Dominican judge has ruled that Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but will not serve a sentence.
Here's what the draft memo for a proposed deal with Iran includes
A draft memorandum includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and the halt of fighting on all fronts, sources say.
Pope Leo calls for "disarming" of AI in technology-focused encyclical
In his "Magnifica Humanitas" encyclical, Pope Leo warns that as civilization grapples with the power of AI, the main challenge is remaining "profoundly human."
Land where notorious cartel leader was killed is being auctioned
The Mexican government announced the auction of a plot of land within the country club where drug kingpin "El Mencho" died during a clash with the army in February.
Experts from Thai rescue join efforts to save 7 trapped in Laos cave
Seven Laotian villagers entered a cave five days ago searching for gold and were trapped inside after heavy rain triggered flash flooding.
Entertainment
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American Music Awards air tonight with star-studded performances
The American Music Awards celebrate fan favorites in the music world and feature performances from multiple artists.
Extended interview: Patti LaBelle
It's been some 50 years since Patti LaBelle first sang her hit song "Lady Marmalade." As she marks her 82nd birthday, LaBelle talks to correspondent Tracy Smith about her career and what's next.
5/24: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Concours d'LeMons, Iranian propaganda, Patti LaBelle.
Patti LaBelle on being called a legend: "I have earned it"
Patti LaBelle said she's "having fun living it down" as the legendary singer marks her 82nd birthday.
The legendary Patti LaBelle
Legendary singer Patti LaBelle has been performing for six decades. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with LaBelle at her hometown of Philadelphia as she marks her 82nd birthday.
Technology
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Pope Leo calls for "disarming" of AI in technology-focused encyclical
In his "Magnifica Humanitas" encyclical, Pope Leo warns that as civilization grapples with the power of AI, the main challenge is remaining "profoundly human."
CBS News poll finds most doubt government will ensure AI used appropriately
Amid concern about AI taking jobs, people see a range of motives by AI companies.
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.
Ring founder on the Fire Watch feature
As thousands evacuate their homes in Southern California to flee the Sandy Fire, Ring doorbell and security cameras are helping residents and emergency crews stay informed and stay safe. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff joins CBS News to discuss the Fire Watch feature.
Stanford student on how AI impacted his class
A recent opinion piece in The New York Times spotlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the 2026 graduating class at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The author, Stanford student Theo Baker, joins to discuss.
Science
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Science
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
Crime
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Wander Franco found criminally responsible for abusing minor, avoids jail time
A Dominican judge has ruled that Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but will not serve a sentence.
Latest on shooting near White House
21-year-old Nasire Best, the suspect linked to a shooting near the White House on Saturday, previously tried to gain access to the White House and may have had mental health issues, according to law enforcement sources and court documents. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
Suspects wanted by FBI for robbing athletes' homes arrested in Chile
The thieves stole jewelry, high-end watches and souvenirs such as sports jerseys, among other belongings, police said.
Husband convicted of hiring hitman to kill NYC art dealer in Brazil
Daniel Sikkema faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Brent Sikkema was stabbed to death in his Rio de Janeiro townhouse in 2024.
New details on Saturday's White House shooting
The alleged gunman in Saturday's shooting at the White House had tried to gain access to the White House last year. Natalie Brand reports.
Space
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China launches spacecraft with astronaut set to remain in space for a year
China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station.
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
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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.
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
The history of Memorial Day
In celebrations throughout the country, communities honored the lives of fallen U.S. service members. Jericka Duncan takes a look at the history of Memorial Day.
Remembering Paul Douglas and James Brolan
On this Memorial Day, we remember CBS News cameraman Paul Douglas and soundman James Brolan, who were killed 20 years ago by a car bomb in Iraq.
Inside the U.S. military's war games using AI
The U.S. military has been using artificial intelligence to process battlefield intelligence in real time. Chris Livesay observes a U.S. military training exercise in Morocco that's being shaped by AI.
High gas prices, storms hamper Memorial Day
Millions of drivers hit the road for a record-breaking Memorial Day travel weekend despite high gas prices. Meanwhile, three days of relentless rain in the northeast U.S. hampered travel plans. Skyler Henry has more.
Shooting near White House raises concerns
Saturday's shooting near the White House has raised security concerns ahead of summer celebrations to mark America's 250th birthday. The shooter, who was killed after opening fire on a Secret Service checkpoint, had previously blocked a White House entry lane last June, court records show. Nicole Sganga reports.