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.
Millions have reported domestic violence. Experts say we need to talk about it more.
According to the FBI, domestic homicides more than doubled between 2019 and 2024, increasing from 1,065 to 2,339. The latest data has experts worried.
Passenger who died on cruise ship was served 33 drinks, lawsuit claims
Royal Caribbean crew members "negligently" overserved 35-year-old Michael Virgil "in a matter of hours" while he exhibited obvious signs of intoxication, the lawsuit alleges.
Trump walks back support for releasing video of second boat strike
Over the weekend, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to commit to releasing video of a September boat strike operation.
More than 75% of homes across the U.S. are unaffordable, study finds
Homeownership can feel like a luxury when only a sliver of the country's housing market is affordable for most Americans, Bankrate analyst says.
Fired FBI agents file lawsuit against Patel, Bondi, FBI and DOJ
Ex-FBI agents are trying to get their jobs back, claiming they were fired during Trump's second term for their efforts in 2020 to head off a riot in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump says he's letting Nvidia sell advanced chips to China
President Trump said the U.S. will take a 25% cut of sales of advanced Nvidia chips to China.
More than 75% of homes across the U.S. are unaffordable, study finds
Homeownership can feel like a luxury when only a sliver of the country's housing market is affordable for most Americans, Bankrate analyst says.
What to expect when the Fed announces next interest rate move this week
The Federal Reserve's last meeting of 2025 will determine whether borrowers get more relief on interest rates.
Trump announces $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers
The new financial aid package is expected to shore up the U.S. agricultural sector, which has been hurt by tariffs and a trade war with China.
Nuts sold at Wegmans stores in 9 states recalled over salmonella risk
Mixed nuts from Ohio-based Mellace Family Brands sold at some Wegmans stores could be tainted with Salmonella, FDA warns.
Politics
More Politics
Trump says he's letting Nvidia sell advanced chips to China
President Trump said the U.S. will take a 25% cut of sales of advanced Nvidia chips to China.
Trump walks back support for releasing video of second boat strike
Over the weekend, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to commit to releasing video of a September boat strike operation.
Lawmaker asks what happened to probe into for-profit dialysis industry
Two companies dominate U.S. dialysis services, and a CBS News review of federal data found one-third of dialysis clinics failed to meet federal standards this year.
Defense bill would limit Pentagon travel funds until boat strike footage released
The provision was tucked into the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual defense policy bill that has passed every year for more six decades.
Fired FBI agents file lawsuit against Patel, Bondi, FBI and DOJ
Ex-FBI agents are trying to get their jobs back, claiming they were fired during Trump's second term for their efforts in 2020 to head off a riot in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Nuts sold at Wegmans stores in 9 states recalled over salmonella risk
Mixed nuts from Ohio-based Mellace Family Brands sold at some Wegmans stores could be tainted with Salmonella, FDA warns.
Details on CDC Hepatitis B vaccine decision
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory panel on Friday voted to not recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for everyone at birth, alarming many in the medical community. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder explains what to know about the decision and its potential impact.
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.
World
More World
Trump says he's letting Nvidia sell advanced chips to China
President Trump said the U.S. will take a 25% cut of sales of advanced Nvidia chips to China.
Defense bill would limit Pentagon travel funds until boat strike footage released
The provision was tucked into the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual defense policy bill that has passed every year for more six decades.
8 Matisse artworks stolen from library in São Paulo, Brazilian officials say
One of two suspects has been arrested in the theft of eight artworks by Matisse, as well as five pieces by Brazilian modernist painter Candido Portinari.
Wreck of 2,000-year-old pleasure boat discovered off Egypt's coast
Underwater archaeologists announced they had discovered the ancient wreck of an ancient Egyptian pleasure boat off the coast of Alexandria.
4 dead, 1 missing after wave drags swimmers out to sea at Spain tourist spot
A powerful wave dragged a group of swimmers at a popular seawater pool along the coast of the Spanish island of Tenerife. At least four people have died and one is missing.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Paramount Skydance makes $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $30 per share offer comes just days after Netflix agreed to buy parts of Warner Bros. in a deal valued at nearly $83 billion.
Golden Globe nominations announced for 2026. See the full list.
The nominations for the 2026 Golden Globes were announced on Monday morning. Here are the nominees.
Golden Globe nominees announced
"CBS Mornings" reveals the nominees for some of the Golden Globe Awards' biggest categories. Plus, Fandango managing editor Erik Davis breaks down the nominations.
Trump hosts Kennedy Center Honors, a first for a president
President Trump hosted 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.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
At least 6 families sue Character.AI
At least six American families are suing Character.AI, its co-founders and Google over the role its chatbot allegedly played in encouraging their children to take their own lives. Ian Krietzberg, AI correspondent for Puck News, joined CBS News to discuss.
Waymo fallout amid school bus safety issues
Waymo, the ride-hailing service, says it is planning a voluntary software recall to fix a glitch after reports its self-driving cars don't stop for school buses. The company has already tried to fix the issue, but police in Texas said it didn't work. Kris Van Cleave reports.
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.
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?
Science
More Science
"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
More Crime
Millions have reported domestic violence. Experts say we need to talk about it more.
According to the FBI, domestic homicides more than doubled between 2019 and 2024, increasing from 1,065 to 2,339. The latest data has experts worried.
Luigi Mangione in court for pretrial hearing
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, returned to court Monday for a pretrial hearing. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi joins with analysis.
New evidence revealed in Mangione hearing
Luigi Mangione, charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year in New York City, was back in court Monday as his defense attorneys try to have certain evidence withheld from his upcoming state trial. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
8 Matisse artworks stolen from library in São Paulo, Brazilian officials say
One of two suspects has been arrested in the theft of eight artworks by Matisse, as well as five pieces by Brazilian modernist painter Candido Portinari.
Drawing attention to domestic violence
It's one of the most common violent crimes in America, but many experts say we don't talk about it enough. Domestic violence is behind the majority of shootings where women are injured or killed. The head of our CBS News Crime and Public Safety Unit, Anna Schecter, takes a closer look at the issue.
Space
More Space
3-man crew undocks from space station, wrapping up 8-month stay
Russian Soyuz crews are now spending eight months aboard the space station instead of six to stretch supplies and lower costs.
"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.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Trump lets Nvidia sell some AI chips to China
President Trump announced Monday he will allow Nvidia to sell its advanced H200 computer chips to "approved customers" in China, but Mr. Trump said the deal does not include Nvidia's more advanced Blackwell system or its soon-to-be-released Rubin system.
Altadena brings Christmas Tree Lane back to life
Altadena's beloved Christmas Tree Lane is shining again nearly a year after a deadly wildfire tore through the area. Carter Evans has the story.
Seniors face retirement facility's closure
Residents paid steep entrance fees to live in a continuing care retirement community, believing their families could one day recoup much of the money. Kelly O'Grady reports on the impact after the facility went bankrupt.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett launches Senate bid
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas launched a bid for U.S. Senate on Monday. CBS News reporter Shawna Mizelle has the details.
Waymo robotaxis seen not stopping for school buses
The self-driving taxi company Waymo is being investigated by federal safety regulators over a persistent problem: failing to stop for school buses. Kris Van Cleave reports.