This story, about a nearly 9 year old girl allegedly murdered by her own mother, is one of the most horrific stories I recall reading in the last few months. The state tried for two years to remove these children, who were abused and likely starved by their drug-abusing, prostitute mother, though a judge prevented it. Allegedly, of course.
She is among the first victims of murder in Detroit in 2013. Last year, 386 murders were committed. Dave Bing says "We've lost respect for life." It's the highest rate in a quarter of a century, It's the highest rate amongst the 20 largest city, and only falls behind New Orleans for cities with more than 200,000 residents. By contrast, New York City had 418 murders last year; if it had the same rate as Detroit, it would have 4,400 victims. Chicago had 506, though it had a population of 2.7 million. Detroit has only about 700,000. At that rate, Chicago would have had over 2,000 victims.
Nothing more can be said. But this tragedy--and I subscribe to the definition that these many murders are tragedies--should be averted. But not until things hit rock bottom. And no, they have not yet.
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