Homicides in the city of Fresno are trending down after a two-year spike.

Through Wednesday and with three days remaining in 2022, the city reported 59 homicides. That is down from 74 in both 2021 and 2020.

The pandemic-era homicide spike in Fresno reversed a trend of lower numbers in 2018-2019.

Meanwhile, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office reports that it has had 12 homicides in its patrol areas this year. That’s down from 13 homicides in 2021. The office had 12 in 2020 and 15 in 2019.

For this year, the county’s homicide rate in its unincorporated communities per 100,000 residents is 7.2. In 2021, it was 7.8 per 100,000.

Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama credited the local gang enforcement unit (MAGEC) for aiding the drop in homicides and violent crime in a recent tweet.

“I was privileged to accompany @FresnoPolice MAGEC gang enforcement in serving multiple search warrants today. This team works extremely hard and are highly motivated without complaints. MAGEC is a HUGE factor in helping lower violent crime by 30% this year. Thanks for all you do!” Balderrama wrote last month.

I was privileged to accompany @FresnoPolice MAGEC gang enforcement in serving multiple search warrants today. This team works extremely hard and are highly motivated without complaints. MAGEC is a HUGE factor in helping lower violent crime by 30% this year. Thanks for all you do! pic.twitter.com/7ajNKV8AAQ

— Chief Paco Balderrama (@BalderramaPaco) November 30, 2022

Balderrama also credits a focus on taking illegally possessed guns away from felons and gang members for the homicide reduction.

He praised the “consistent proactive policing by our patrol districts and specialized units” for their efforts in seizing illegal guns in a Nov. 12 tweet.

Clovis Numbers Also Down

Clovis also reported lower homicide numbers. Year to date, Clovis has only reported two homicides. The city had five last year.

Comparing the numbers, through homicides per 100,000 residents, Fresno has 6.75 times more homicides than Clovis.

(Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office)