Idaho is considered one of the safest places in the country, but sadly, it has had its share of murders. From cold cases to recent tragedies, Idaho murders have been occurring for decades, often times to the shock and horror of the communities involved. This essay aims to look at some of the most notorious murder cases from Idaho, from their gruesome details to the emotional impact they had on those involved.
According to the 2019 FBI crime data, Idaho reported 29 killings or murders in the same year (“Crime in the U.S.”). These numbers were the lowest in the country after Vermont and South Dakota. In comparison to other states, Idaho’s percentage rate of homicide per 100,000 population is 1.7, which is much lower than the national rate of 4.9 (The Associated Press). Even though the amount of murders in Idaho may be considered low in comparison to other states, the victims of these crimes still leave behind grieving families and friends and highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the causes of high homicide rates locally and nationally.
Statistics show that Idaho has a relatively low rate of murder when compared to the rates in other states. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2018, Idaho reported an average of 1.55 murders per 100,000 people, which is far below the U.S. average rate of 5.36 murders per 100,000 people that same year. (“2018 Crime in the United States: Murder,” FBI, 2019, fbi.gov/about/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2018/crime-in-the-u.s.-2018/tables/table-1). While the rate of murders in Idaho remains relatively low, it has increased year over year since 2016. (“Idaho Offenses Against Persons, 2019,” Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020, bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=6843). In order to combat these increases, the Idaho legislature passed HB198 in 2019, which created The Commission on Violent Crime and Juvenile Justice. (Commission on Violent Crime and Juvenile Justice, 2021, idaho.gov/violence). The goal of this commission is to conduct a detailed evaluation of current practices and policies related to the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of violent crimes. The commission will also seek to identify areas of improvement and accordingly, pass helpful legislation that will eventually lead to lower rates of violent crime in Idaho.
In Idaho, murder is the most serious of all violent crimes and is defined as an intentional act causing death. According to the Idaho’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR), in 2018 there were a total of 83 murders in the state. In comparison, the state had 79 murders in 2017, an increase of 4% (“Uniform Crime Reports”). Idaho also had a murder rate of 2.1 per 100,000 persons in 2018, which was higher than the 2017 rate of 1.9 (“Uniform Crime Reports”). Due to the increase, authorities have placed a greater emphasis on measures that can reduce the number of murders, such as neighborhood watch programs and increased police presence.
Oregon is one of the most scenic states in the U.S., with a plethora of national parks, forests, and trails to explore (Vannausdle). The state’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unique climate make Oregon a great place to live. The summers are mild, with bright days and cool evenings, and the winters are mild as well. In addition, Oregon has a vibrant economy, low unemployment, and affordable housing (Allen). From the coastline to the high desert, Oregon has something to offer everyone. There are also a variety of activities to enjoy, such as skiing, fishing, hiking, and wine tastings. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or quiet rural community, Oregon has it all and is a great place to live.
Idaho’s diverse geographical features and culture make it an interesting and unique place to live and explore, but unfortunately, there are still major concerns regarding violence and murder. The statistics on Idaho murders show an overall increase over the years as well as a disproportionate number of homicides occurring in the Treasure Valley area. This is concerning and provides an urgent call to action for Idaho legislators, law enforcement personnel and the public to work together to find ways to reduce these numbers and ensure the safety of all Idahoans. We must work together to bring an end to preventable acts of violence in Idaho.
Vannausdle, Sara.
Hi, I’m Jodie! I’m a spain-Moroccan writer with a passion for imagination, adventures, magic and stories with heart.
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