Modesto recorded zero homicides in 2025, marking the city’s first year without a killing in at least four decades, according to Modesto police. It’s a milestone that comes as violent crime declines across much of the country.
While city officials say the outcome is worth noting, both police and outside experts caution against drawing sweeping conclusions from a single year, particularly as researchers point to broader national trends that have driven homicide rates down since peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For Modesto, this is the first zero-homicide year on record since 1985,” Modesto Police Department spokesperson Sharon Bear said. Records prior to that year are not readily available, the department said…