Amarillo Sees Record-Breaking 28 Murders in 2022

With the new year well underway, there is no better time to look back on the events that transpired in 2022.

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One of the most pivotal issues to contend with in recent years is the city's rising crime rate.

How Many Homicides In Amarillo in 2021 vs. 2022?

The year 2021 saw a startling uptick in violent crime and a worrying 24 homicides that took place within city limits (APD announced the official number to be 21 in its annual report, but in a recent interview with KAMR, Cpl. Jeb Hilton state it was 24).

It was the highest number of murders Amarillo had seen since 1994. In contrast, the years 2000 to 2020 saw an average of 11.6 homicides each year in the Amarillo area.

Law enforcement and officials stated their expectation that the number of homicides would decrease in 2022. Instead, the homicide rate continued an upward climb to 30 recorded incidents within city limits by the end of 2022.

A source within the police department states the final number comes in at 28.

Indictments For Majority of Amarillo Murders in 2022

While the official number has yet to be announced, a quick look at court records shows that the majority of those charged with murder have been officially indicted and will continue on through the legal system.

One resource in examining the myriad of issues surrounding crime in Amarillo can be accessed by visiting the APD Crime Map.

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

Amarillo Murders in 2021

With an official tally of 27 murders, the year 2021 saw the highest number of homicides in Amarillo since 1994.

Below is a closer look at the year's criminal acts that resulted in life lost.

**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.

***Not pictured: Edward Matthew Gamez