25 Denver homicides through September 2012: See where they happened

Denver homicides during 2012's first three-quarters dramatically declined as compared to last year, especially in the months of July, August and September. There were five during that three-month period -- the same number as took place during a single burst of violence at Fero's Bar & Grill on Wednesday. But...

By Michael Roberts

October 19, 2012

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Denver homicides during 2012's first three-quarters dramatically declined as compared to last year, especially in the months of July, August and September. There were five during that three-month period -- the same number as took place during a single burst of violence at Fero's Bar & Grill on Wednesday. But despite this week's violence, the homicide rate is still behind that of 2011. Get details on the 25 Denver homicides through September and see maps showing where they happened below.

Of course, metro-area murders have been far from rare in 2012, as the dozen deaths in the Aurora theater shooting demonstrate. But despite suggestions after the June slaying of police officer Celena Hollis that another summer of violence was in the offing, the numbers for Denver proper were significantly lower than in 2011 through September's end.

Last year, there were 47 homicides in Denver, with forty taking place through September 2011. Moreover, the third-quarter of that year, covering July, August and September, were particularly bloody, with sixteen homicides happening during those three months.

With 25 homicides through September 2012, this year's total as compared to 2011 is down by fifteen -- a huge swing that has a lot to do with far fewer fatalities during the third quarter. In July, August and September of 2012, five homicides struck Denver, including the death of Kevin Ryberg, pictured above, who was killed in police custody during an incident that was eventually ruled justifiable by the Denver District Attorney's Office.

But as the shocking Fero's incident demonstrates, positive developments can turn negative in an instant.

Look below to see interactive graphics of virtually all the 25 homicides in Denver through September; if you have problems seeing the images, click "View Larger Map."

Accompanying them are coroner's office descriptions of the victims, as well as the time, location and cause of death. And be sure to click on names with links, which connect to our original coverage.

25 Denver homicides through September 2012: See where they happened

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