The number of murders in Springfield, Massachusetts, spiked this month — and homicides are up Hartford and Worcester.
Five people have been murdered in Springfield so far this month. That compares with one in all of October and zero in September.
Ryan Walsh, a spokesman for the Springfield Police, said while the monthly number is up significantly, the the jump versus last year isn't as significant.
"What Springfield has seen is, unfortunately — there is no rhyme or reason as to when, but the number usually falls within a few at the end of the year," Walsh said. "Right now, we've had 18 homicides and last year — the entire year — there was 18 homicides."
Walsh said police believe two of the November murders are gang-related and two were domestic conflicts.
The fifth homicide is being investigated by the Massachusetts state police because it took place on I-91.
Hartford has had 23 murders so far this year, which is two more than in all of 2018.
Worcester has had 10 so far, which is double the total from last year.