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Boston Saw 31% Decline In Murders From 2012 To 2013

BOSTON (CBS) – While the number of homicides in the city of Boston continues to decline, solving those crimes has proven to be somewhat of a challenge for police.

Annual crime stats show 40 murders were committed this year in Boston compared to 58 the previous year; a 31 percent decrease.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mary Blake reports

Boston Saw 31% Decline In Murders From 2012 To 2013

However, only 16 suspects have been identified in those crimes.

Acting Police Commissioner William Evans cites that number as one of several problems he sees in the city that need addressing.

"We'll continue to work hard. Hopefully we'll make 2014 a lot safer," he said.

The number of shootings in the city also remained unchanged at 246.

"There are too many guns still out there. I think we took off the street this year close to 600 guns," Evans said.

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