According to a report released by the State of Alaska Department Of Health, with assistance from the Alaska Violent Death Reporting System (AKVDRS), of all violent deaths in Alaska during 2011–2020, 19% were due to homicide.
The annual average homicide rate was 7.2 per 100,000 persons. While homicide rates varied by year, the overall trend has increased from an annual low homicide rate of 4.7 per 100,000 persons in 2011 to the highest rate at 10.7 per 100,000 persons in 2019. Notably, the number of homicides decreased considerably in 2020 compared to 2019 (from 75 to 51 deaths per year, respectively). Most homicide incidents identified a single victim (428/532; 80%). The remaining incidents identified multiple homicide deaths (70/532; 13%) and combined homicide/suicide deaths (34/532; 6%).
The highest homicide rates by region were in the Southwest and Northern regions of Alaska (13.1 and 9.8 per 100,000 persons, respectively); the lowest rates were in the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions, which includes the Kenai Peninsula (3.8 and 3.3 per 100,000 persons).
The relationship of the homicide victim to the suspect(s) was known for 72% of the homicide victims. The victim/suspect relationship was most often an acquaintance, friend, roommate, or schoolmate of the suspect (24%); another person known to victim (including current or former workplace relationship) (24%); a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend (17%); or a family or household member (not an intimate partner) (14%).
Thirty-four percent of homicide victims had a known substance abuse problem and/or mental health problem. A substance abuse problem was the most prevalent among victims, followed by an alcohol abuse problem and a mental health problem (25%, 17%, and 9%, respectively)
The report outlined a detailed summary of homicide deaths in Alaska captured through the AKVDRS system during 2011–2020 and highlights frequently occurring circumstances associated with these deaths. Over the 10-year period, a statistically significant increase in annual homicide rates was observed. One notable exception to this trend was 2020, when Alaska experienced a 35% decrease in homicide deaths compared to 2019.
To read the full report, click here.