The city of East Palo Alto has made it two years without a homicide, a milestone officials say is a sign of progress in reflecting on the city’s violent past.
“This achievement belongs to the people of East Palo Alto,” said Mayor Webster Lincoln in a statement.
In the 1990s, gang violence and the crack cocaine epidemic contributed to high rates of violent crime in East Palo Alto. It was dubbed the “murder capital” of the United States because it had the highest rate of murders per capita in 1992, with 42 homicides in a population of 24,000, according to the County of San Mateo.
The last documented homicide occurred in April 2024, according to police.
City leaders credited the change to expanding community-based partnerships and prevention strategies through youth and workforce development programs. They also attributed increased neighborhood engagement with city departments and modernized policing techniques as factors contributing to the decline in homicides.
“It reflects the work of residents, community partners and a police department focused on trust, collaboration and prevention,” Lincoln said.
City leaders said they will continue focusing on investing in prevention initiatives and community engagement to keep the number of homicides at zero over the last two years.
“We are recognizing the presence of peace and the opportunity it creates for our residents and families,” Lincoln said.
