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.
Gonzales defends conditions at Texas detention center with measles outbreak
Rep. Tony Gonzales said the Dilley detention facility, the only immigration facility that houses children, is "nicer than some elementary schools."
Ilia Malinin leads Team USA to gold in Olympic figure skating team event
Team USA defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal on Sunday after Ilia "Quad God" ushered the team to victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Seahawks ride their stifling defense to dominant Super Bowl win over the Patriots
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots Sunday to win the 2026 Super Bowl.
Lawmakers in standoff over ICE reforms as DHS funding deadline approaches
Republicans and Democrats in Congress are locked in a standoff over reforming the nation's immigration enforcement operation as a deadline to reach a resolution and fund the Department of Homeland Security approaches.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Tony Gonzales join Margaret Brennan.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
As Cadillac races to first F1 season, insiders advise patience for U.S. fans
For the first time, a major U.S. automaker is putting a team up against the European giants of Formula One. Can Cadillac be a contender?
Diamonds endure as the industry feels the pressure
For over five centuries, Antwerp's diamond district has been the cornerstone of the global diamond trade. Now, that legacy is under strain.
Was Bad Bunny paid for his Super Bowl halftime performance?
Here's how much Bad Bunny earned from his halftime performance at Super Bowl LX.
Washington Post publisher Will Lewis resigns just days after paper enacts mass layoffs
Will Lewis, CEO and publisher of the Washington Post, has resigned just three days after the storied newspaper laid off about one-third of its staff.
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Politics
More Politics
Gonzales defends conditions at Texas detention center with measles outbreak
Rep. Tony Gonzales said the Dilley detention facility, the only immigration facility that houses children, is "nicer than some elementary schools."
Lawmakers in standoff over ICE reforms as DHS funding deadline approaches
Republicans and Democrats in Congress are locked in a standoff over reforming the nation's immigration enforcement operation as a deadline to reach a resolution and fund the Department of Homeland Security approaches.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Tony Gonzales join Margaret Brennan.
Transcript: Rep. Tony Gonzales on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Tony Gonzales, Republican of Texas, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 8, 2026.
DNI whistleblower complaint has intercept of call between foreign nationals
A whistleblower complaint includes highly-classified details about a National Security Agency intercept of a call between two foreign nationals who discussed a person close to President Trump, two sources said.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
World
More World
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa released from prison
Juan Guanipa, one of the closest allies of opposition powerhouse María Corina Machado, had been held at a detention facility since May 2025.
Transcript: Rep. Tony Gonzales on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Tony Gonzales, Republican of Texas, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 8, 2026.
Transcript: David Becker on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research and a CBS News election law contributor, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 8, 2026.
Trump lashes out at Team USA athlete for sharing thoughts on politics
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
Transcript: Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 8, 2026. Dr. Gottlieb also sits on the boards of Pfizer and United Health Care.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
As Cadillac races to first F1 season, insiders advise patience for U.S. fans
For the first time, a major U.S. automaker is putting a team up against the European giants of Formula One. Can Cadillac be a contender?
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show brings the party, showcases Latin culture
The 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny took the stage on Sunday dressed in all white, donning a jersey with his last name, Ocasio, and the number 64.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some notable people who left us this week, including singer LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of vocal group The 5th Dimension.
Don Henley reflects on the Eagles' "miraculous run," Glenn Frey, and more
Don Henley acknowledges the Eagles are "kind of a staple" as they sell out shows at the Las Vegas Sphere and cement their status with the best-selling album of all time.
Extended Interview: Don Henley
Singer-songwriter Don Henley reflects on the Eagles' decades-long career, the larger than life legacy of his late bandmate Glenn Frey, and the emotional moment he saw Frey's son Deacon perform in his father's place. He also emphasizes the importance of connecting with fans, saying "music is medicine. And people need some medicine right now."
Technology
More Technology
Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
More Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a third video on Saturday, pleading for their mother's return after she went missing last week. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Did a popular acne medication drive a Texas teen to shoot his friends?
Connor Hilton, 17, said that after taking Accutane, a prescribed acne medication, he began to have suicidal and homicidal thoughts – thoughts that, his defense argued, led him to shoot two friends in the head at his Friendswood, Texas, home. Prosecutors weren't convinced.
Latest in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Authorities said Friday they were inspecting an apparent new message relating to the disappearance of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, after the family reported her missing from her home on Sunday.
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home, investigate new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Space
More Space
New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
2/8: CBS Weekend News
Search for Nancy Guthrie reaches Day 8; Lindsey Vonn breaks leg in Olympic crash.
New moms leading Team USA curling
Curling is the only sport played every day at the Winter Olympic Games and unlike other sports, the competitors usually are not full-time athletes. Ren Clayton catches up with two Minnesota sisters leading the U.S. team while balancing day jobs and their growing families.
Robert Kraft's campaign to stop hate
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft started a campaign in 2023 encouraging people to wear a small blue square with a hashtag. It's a symbol that started off challenging people to stand up to Jewish hate, but these days Kraft says it's meant to call out hate, in all of its forms. Jericka Duncan reports.
Judge orders DOJ to unseal ballot raid records
A federal judge ruled Department of Justice records related to the recent seizure of 2020 ballots and documents in Fulton County, Georgia, must be unsealed by Tuesday. Willie James Inman has more.
Lindsey Vonn breaks leg in Olympic crash
Lindsey Vonn's Olympic hopes were dashed Sunday by a devastating crash that forced her to undergo surgery for a broken leg. Seth Doane is in Cortina with the latest on her recovery and other news from the 2026 Winter Games.