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Adolescent Firearm Homicides in Chicago, 2013-2017
Simran Chadha1, Suzanne McLone2, Maryann Mason2
1Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
Summary
Adolescent firearm homicides in Chicago increased, particularly among Black males. Fatal injuries shifted spatially, with "hot spots" moving from the South Side to the West Side.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Criminology
Background:
- Adolescent firearm violence is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding temporal and spatial trends in firearm homicides is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe changes in adolescent firearm homicides in Chicago over a five-year period (2013-2017).
- To identify demographic and spatial patterns associated with these homicides.
Main Methods:
- Serial cross-sectional analysis of the Illinois Violent Death Reporting System data.
- Inclusion criteria: homicide, firearm, age 15-19, Chicago location.
- Statistical analyses included rate calculations, joinpoint regression, and GIS mapping.
Main Results:
- 509 adolescent firearm homicide victims in Chicago (2013-2017).
- Rates peaked in 2016; Black males were disproportionately affected, increasing by 87.8%.
- Spatial "hot spots" shifted from South to West Sides; weekend fatalities decreased for Black males.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent firearm homicides show increasing trends and consolidation of spatial and racial/ethnic disparities in Chicago.
- These findings can inform targeted interventions to address the city's firearm homicide epidemic.