Alarming increase in murder

The state police crime report for last year notes what’s called an alarming increase in murders in South Carolina.  The data collected by “SLED” show the rate of murder is at its highest level since 1991.  “I am extremely concerned by the increasing number of murders in our state, however I am optimistic to see the overall violent crime rate decreased by 5.1% in 2021 after historic highs in 2020,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel.  The data compiled come from sheriff’s offices and police departments across the state.  101.7/WGOG NEWS’ unofficial count of Oconee County homicides in 2021 totaled seven.  Our count, so far, in 2022 is three Oconee homicides.