Homicides Ruled Leading Cause of Death Among Children in the Nation

December 22, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes Social Share

A recent study by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), published in the JEMA Pediatrics journal, covered over 38,000 homicides in the U.S. with victims between the ages of 0-17 in 1999-2020. The study found that homicide is the new leading cause of death in children following the recent increase in gun violence in America.

This article will cover the details from the recent study, along with information on firearm-related charges and statistics in Florida.

Key Statistics

The following is a list of key statistics found from the CDC study published Monday, December 19^th, 2022:

• Between 2013-2022, child homicide rates increased by an average of 4.3%, with a 27.7% increase between 2019-2020. The study included 38,362 victims of gun-related homicides of which 69.4% of the victims were males.
• The demographics in which homicide rates “increased significantly” were among boys (16.1%), 6- to 10-year-olds (5.6%), 11- to 15-year-olds (19%), Black children (16.6% between 2018-2020), Hispanic children (4.7%), children in the South (6.4%), children in rural areas (3.2%) and urban areas (4.4%).
• The study found that homicide rates have decreased overall for girls (1.4%), infants (1.3%), 1- to 5-year-olds (1%), Asian or Pacific Islander children (4.4%), white children (0.7%), and children in the Northeast (1.4%).
• As of December 18^th, 2022, the Gun Violence Archive reported that 864 children had been killed or injured by gunfire in the U.S. during 2022.

The following is a statement from the researchers regarding their most recent findings:

“The violent death of any child is an individual tragedy whose effects ripple through families, peers, and communities. Although these losses and their consequences are fundamentally preventable, they are becoming more common, not less, despite numerous advances in other aspects of child safety.”

Florida Gun Violence Stats

The CDC published its 2020 Firearm Mortality by State. The study reported that Florida had an estimated 3,041 firearm-related deaths in that year.

According to a July 2022 study from Every Town, Florida has the 19^th-highest rate of gun violence in all of the United States. That makes an average of 2,849 people killed and 5,267 injured by firearms in the state. Included in the overall increase of gun-related deaths in the nation, Florida had a 15% increase in gun death incidents from 2011-2020.

The study also covered gun homicides and assaults in the state of Florida. An average of 1,057 people die each year in Florida from gun homicide. An average of 1,803 are injured from gun-related assaults. Out of all 50 states, Florida ranks as the 22^nd highest in terms of gun homicides and gun assaults.

The study also covered the financial aspect of gun violence in the state. Each year, gun-related deaths and injuries cost Florida an average of $40.3 billion—$875.9 million which is paid for by Florida taxpayers. That makes Florida the 25^th-highest state for societal cost of gun-related deaths.

Common Firearm Related Charges in Florida

The state of Florida has multiple laws in relation to the possession, purchase, or use of firearms. While it is legal for individuals to possess firearms in the state, those wishing to do so still must abide by the State and Federal gun laws. To find out about the legality of carrying a concealed weapon in Florida, read our page here.

The following is a list of common charges in Florida relating to weapons or firearms:

• Allowing a minor younger than 16 access to a firearm
• Carrying a firearm in a prohibited place
• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Possession or discharge of a destructive device

Firearm Enhancements

While there are multiple firearm related charges in Florida, there are also offenses that constitute enhanced penalties if the accused person had a firearm in their possession during the commission of the crime. The most common firearms or weapons enhancement is Florida’s 10-20-Life rule.

A person can receive the 10-20-Life enhancement if while in the commission of certain violent crimes, the accused person carried, discharged, or shot and killed another person with a firearm while carrying out or attempting to carry out a violent crime.

The following lists the specific enhancements for the 10-20-Life law:

• Firearm carried – Mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years
• Firearm discharged – Mandatory minimum prison sentence of 20 years
• Defendant shot or killed another person – Mandatory minimum prison sentence of 25 years, up to life in prison

Finding a Defense Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

Firearm-related crimes are prosecuted harshly in the state of Florida, despite the state’s stance on guns and concealed carrying. If you or someone you love has been accused of a crime involving a firearm, we highly advise seeking out the legal help of a defense attorney in your area.

Don Pumphrey and his legal team have years of experience representing Florida citizens accused of crimes. Our attorneys will work to create a well-built defense for your case, and fight for your future. Contact Pumphrey Law Firm today for a free consultation at (850) 681-7777 or leave us an online message on our website.

Written by Karissa Key

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