‘We’re trying to prevent a mother from losing their child’: Gang interventionist on spike in gun violence Listen 15 min MORE Young activists rally to end gun violence in LA. Homicides in the City of Los Angeles are up 25% from last year, according to LA Police Department Chief Michel Moore. Photo by Hayk_Shalunts/Shutterstock. Homicides in the City of Los Angeles are up 25% from last year, according to LA Police Department Chief Michel Moore. The city has had 162 homicides from January 1 to June 22, compared to 129 homicides during the same period in 2020. Some are worried that the trend could worsen as we head into summer — research shows that violence jumps during warmer weather.