New Orleans homicide increases faster than national average

The pandemic has not slowed down New Orleans reputation as a dangerous city -- homicides are up this year, and outpacing the national average.

The homicide rate for 2020, with two days to go, is more than 50 percent above last year. LSU Health New Orleans criminologist Dr. Peter Scharf says New Orleans likely won't end up as America's new murder capital, but the city has shot up in the rankings.

"I think we're going to come in third, from thirteenth last year, and recently fourth," said Scharf.

Scharf said there was a huge increase in the second half of the year.

"The year didn't end the way we thought it could," Scharf said. "You have to reflect on every tactic, every policy, every program, and really look at it. Why this rate?"

Scharf said you can't blame economic stress from the pandemic -- he said disputes between drug dealers that turn deadly remain the biggest problem.