Chicago becomes murder central

2012-06-17

Police in the US city of Chicago are becoming bogged down in murder investigations.

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The murder rate has reached a record high, showing a 35-percent increase compared to last year.

There have been 228 murders in just six months, approximately two a day, with fear gripping many of the neighbourhoods which are controlled by gangs.

Much of the violent crime in the city is gang-related with many gang-members in running disputes.

Fighting and shooting in some neighbourhoods has become rife with many parents now afraid to allow their children outside.

Innocent bystanders have been caught up in gunfire. Recently a stray bullet hit a pregnant woman who was sitting at her living room window.

Chicago has the largest gang population in the US, with approximately 100,000 members.

It is believed they commit around 80 percent of the city's homicides.

source: North America News.Net