WASHINGTON — Washington, D.C. hit a grim milestone in the month of October: 31 homicides, in 31 days, according to DC Police statistics. As the numbers stand on Nov. 2, the District has reported 188 total homicides in 2021, with 113 open cases.
One of the most recent deaths still being investigated started with a report of a fatal fire, in which a 32-year-old woman was found dead. However, after the initial investigation, it was determined Special Police Officer Cynthia Barringer had been shot to death prior to the fire, according to police. Her death was ruled a homicide.
As of Monday night, investigators have not said if the fire was intentionally set.
Sade Wright, who runs the Wright Family Foundation and helps families impacted by violence, knew Barringer and said her children meant so much to her.
"It’s very heartbreaking because she was an excellent mom," Wright said. "She loved to go out but mainly she loved her children. She loved to work and she loved her children.”
DC Police track all homicide cases year over year. MPD data reported 164 homicides this time last year in 2020, and 188 homicides so far in 2021 -- that's a 13% increase over a year that had the highest number of homicides since 2004.
Of the 188 homicides recorded this year, 113 of the cases are unsolved, putting the city at a less than 40% solve rate. As of last year in 2020, MPD had 111 open homicide cases with 198 total homicides, which is a 44% solve rate.
When asked their plans for helping to close the cases, an MPD spokesperson said "We have seen an increase in violence in our city. It is not known, in all cases, what the motive is behind the violence. Nonetheless, MPD is working tirelessly and building upon relationships with the communities we serve to make them safer. MPD has deployed our Community Focused Patrol Unit, which is a data-driven unit that assists in supplementing our existing patrol districts in areas of the city that are experiencing higher volumes of criminal activity, emerging crime trends, and/or significant events. We are investigating these incidents and will pursue those responsible so they can be held accountable. We have deployed visible police patrols, engaged communities through outreach and will continue to work alongside our government partners to prevent and combat incidents of violence in our city. Additionally, removing illegal firearms in a safe and respectful manner will remain an agency priority. If anyone has information about an incident, we are asking they assist us by calling MPD at 202-727-9099 or texting 50411."