As Baltimore Rings In 2016, 344th Homicide Marks Deadliest Year

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—As 2015 came to an end, Baltimore recorded its 344th homicide, the deadliest year, per capita, in history.

It happened around 8:15 p.m. in the unit block of North Poppleton Street.

Police say upon arrival to the scene a man was found shot multiple times. He later died from his injuries.

The killing comes during a time of alarming violence in the city of Baltimore, an increased trend following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.

When Baltimore surpassed its 300th homicide in November, Police Commissioner Kevin Davis spoke on the grim milestone saying, "It's important to pause and vow to continue our collective fight to find a better path forward. Baltimore will win again, 2015 will not define us, and the nation will once again see our city for the determination that has long defined us."

According to our media partner The Baltimore Sun, "number 344" marks Baltimore's deadliest, ever, even surpassing 1990's homicide rates in correlation with today's population.

With minutes until a new year, Commissioner Davis vowed to forged ahead, calling 2015 "a year of crisis" and that his department will move forward.

"Everybody wants to win again in 2016," said Davis. "We can't win as a city unless the police department leads the way and we intend to do that."

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who announced earlier this year she would not seek re-election, spoke about peace for her city in the new year.

"My hope is that we will have a shower of peace and God's blessings in 2016," said Mayor Rawlings-Blake during WJZ's New Year's Eve Special. "We have a beautiful city and I am just blessed to serve incredible people."