The northwest Indiana city of Gary reported 58 homicides in 2019, which is the highest since 2007 when there were 71, officials said.
The murder count last year was up 45% from 40 in 2018, according to The (Northwest Indiana) Times, which cited FBI data.
Domestic killings jumped by nearly 90%, from eight in 2018 to 15 in 2019. That includes a case where three members of the same family were found shot to death after a fire at their home in October.
Gang-related homicides were down, according to Police Commander Jack Hamady. Police believe 12 of 58 homicides last year were gang related, compared to 18 of 40 in 2018.
Police hope to increase funding for a recently reorganized drug unit and to receive outside funding for SWAT and K-9 programs. They'd also like to strengthen partnerships with local, state and federal agencies.
