Amarillo, Texas Sees a Decline in Homicides for 2023

Amarillo over the last few years has seen record-breaking homicides. However, 2023 gave us a change.

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The Homicide Rates in Amarillo Dropped in 2023!

In 2022 Amarillo saw a record-shattering 28 homicides in the 365 days. The number of homicides jumped from 24 in 2021.

The First Homicide

The first homicide of 2023, occurred on January 26, 2023. The body of 24-year-old Markell Damarion Toombs-Reed was found lying in the street in the 4100 block of S. Travis. This homicide is still under investigation as no one has been charged.

Amarillo saw only 16 homicides in 2023

As a citizen of Amarillo, no one wants to see any homicides happen in their city. However, it is hopeful to see that the homicide rates dropped. Hopefully, that means a downward turn in crime in Amarillo. Amarillo's homicides dropped this year by 12 homicides.

The Last Homicide

The last homicide in Amarillo of 2023 occurred on November 12, 2023, 23-year-old Aung Nai Oo died at a nearby hospital after suffering gunshot wounds. APD identified and arrested Aung Thuya as the suspect in the shooting.

On December 19th APD confirmed that remains were found at Hastings and Smelter, the remains were sent to the lab to determine if they were human or animal. However, if it is determined that they are human, a homicide cold case will be closer to being solved.

2023 Annual Report Pending

The Amarillo Police Department hasn't released its 2023 Annual Report as of the publishing of this article. Hopefully, the downward trend of homicides will continue through 2024.

Twelve of the 2023 homicides are listed below, 2 were considered justifiable and not included in the list.

LOOK: A Welcome Decline in Homicides for Amarillo in 2023

The year 2023 closed out with a reported 16 homicides for Amarillo, Texas. And out of these 16 cases, three are open investigations. The tally comes as a welcome decline after the concerning surge of reported murders in 2021 and 2022.

**Note from the Editor: The following is not an exhaustive list. We have compiled what you see below from news reports, official police statements, along with where the case stands in the court system. If you see any errors in reporting or fact, please email the editor directly at sarah.clark@townsquaremedia.com along with any supporting documents.

We wish to stress that all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

***This list does not include the open cases for Markell Toombs-Reed and Jarvurian Penns

Gallery Credit: Sarah Clark/TSM

REVIEW: Amarillo Homicides in 2022

The year 2021 saw a staggering 24 homicides in Amarillo, Texas--the highest number the city had seen since 1994. A lower figure for 2022 was predicted, but the year finished out with a total of 28 homicides.

Below is a partial list of those accused in this year's murders. We have intentionally left off this list those who have been No Billed by a grand jury, had their charges modified to a lesser offense, or wherein the accused is a juvenile.

This is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change, pending legal proceedings.

Updated: January 10, 2022

Gallery Credit: Sarah Clark/TSM