Twenty-six people were killed in homicides in Norfolk last year. It’s the lowest number officials say the city has seen in decades.
Norfolk experienced a spike in homicides during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching more than 60 in 2021 and again in 2022. Those were the deadliest years since 1996, but killings have been on the decline since 2023, Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot said.
The 26 homicides the city reported in 2025 marked a 30% decrease from 2024. The city also reported fewer non-fatal shootings and less overall violent crime…