LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The city of Lexington broke a record that isn't a cause for celebration.
There were 29 homicides in 2019, breaking the previous record of 28.
Fifty-seven year old Donald Foster was murdered on Dec. 29, making it the last and record-setting homicide of 2019. Lexington police arrested Anthony Asay and Dillon Stewart in connection with the murder a few days later.
Lexington police say no matter the number, their approach remains the same.
"Our investigative approach doesn't change," Lexington Police department PIO Brenna Angel said. "Whether we're dealing with 30 homicides, 15 or even one. We're always going to be approaching it with looking for as much information as possible."
The number of non-fatal shootings also increased from 79 in 2018 to 110 in 2019.
"It is unfortunate that people choose to take a firearm to settle a dispute," Angel added.
Despite the increased numbers in 2019, the department noted that overall crime decreased in 2019.
"We're a very safe community for a city of our size," Angel said.
"Overall, crime in Lexington in 2019 was down from the previous year. Same thing for 2018, crime in 2018 was down from 2017."
The department hopes the community will continue to help them and provide information when crimes happen.
