2022 on pace to be Tulsa's deadliest year, data shows
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — As of March 7th, 2022 -- 16 people have been killed in Tulsa, according to NewsChannel 8's data.
That's a 100% increase from this time last year when there were only 8.
In the first seven days of March -- two people have been killed.
"It is scary right now," said Dr. David McLeod, director of research for the University of Oklahoma's School of Social Work. "And as we see these homicides rise, that, that's scary, that's a scary thing for all of us."
McLeod is also a former police detective.
"Is there actually a way to prevent homicide?' asked NewsChannel 8's Daniela Ibarra.
"I believe there is," responded McLeod. "A lot of times we can kind of see it coming. And we know who's at high risk to become involved in patterns of behavior that can escalate to homicide."
Everyone has a role in solving this problem, according to McLeod.
"Part of it is our local and state governments and identifying how and where we want to fund different programs," he said.
NewsChannel 8 reached out to Mayor G.T. Bynum's office to talk about how he planned to help combat Tulsa's homicides.
A spokesperson told us he was booked, adding he didn't have time to give a statement.
Tulsa police did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
The CDC has said gun violence is a "serious public health problem."
All but two of Tulsa's homicides as of March 7, 2022, have been shooting deaths.
