City leaders are calling for swift action to keep people safe this summer after a spate of homicides — including three fatal shootings — rattled Denver’s east side neighborhoods last month.
Why it matters: The springtime spike is alarming, though it’s too early to tell whether it signals what’s ahead for the summer, when violent crime historically rises in Denver.
Driving the news: The incidents are not connected, and there’s no indication of gang activity or retaliatory violence, police Chief Ron Thomas said. Most appear to have stemmed from isolated confrontations, though Thomas called at least one “random.”
- Thomas was among the speakers at a panel convened by Colorado Black Round Table founder John Bailey on Saturday to discuss possible solutions.
State of play: Panelists pointed to a common focus — keeping young people engaged and supported before conflicts escalate.
- They called for more investment in summer programs that keep young people busy, from jobs to intervention and recreation.
- Bailey urged local philanthropic groups to increase funding for youth development, especially if public dollars aren’t available in a tight budget year.
- Councilmember Darrell Watson noted that programs for young people should be consistently available, not just in response to violence.
Context: Some of last month’s homicide suspects were ages 18–24, Thomas said, adding that improving conflict resolution among young people could help prevent future violence…