New York City has officially tied its longest homicide-free stretch in recorded history, going 12 consecutive days without a single killing between November 25 and December 7, according to newly released NYPD data. The achievement, which matches a record first set in 2015, highlights the city’s remarkable decline in violent crime throughout 2025.
Streak Ends With Fatal Bronx Shooting
The streak concluded Sunday night when 38-year-old Gregory Stewart was fatally shot inside a stairwell at the Sotomayor Houses in the Bronx’s Soundview neighborhood. Stewart was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center, where he later died.
Police confirmed that a man was taken into custody, though no charges have yet been filed as the investigation continues.
2025 Crime Rates Hit Historic Lows Across New York City
Even with the streak’s end, 2025 crime statistics remain record-breaking:
- 652 shooting incidents — the fewest ever recorded
- 812 shooting victims — also an all-time low
- 16 murders in November — tying the lowest number ever documented (previously set in 2018)
These numbers underscore a dramatic and sustained decrease in violent crime citywide.
NYPD Credits Strategy, Not Federal Intervention
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised her department’s efforts, stating: “NYPD’s strategy and execution are working.” She noted that the force’s targeted policing and community-engagement tactics have helped push violent crime numbers to levels “never before seen.”
The milestone also arrives months after the Trump administration floated the idea of deploying the National Guard to patrol New York City—a proposal critics now argue was unnecessary given the city’s historic decline in homicides.
Previous Homicide Linked to Washington Heights Killing
Before Stewart’s death, NYC’s last homicide occurred on November 24, when 80-year-old Lev Vayner was fatally stabbed inside his Washington Heights apartment.
Authorities say the suspect, 45-year-old Alon Riabichev, called 911 himself after the incident and is now charged with murder.
A Milestone That Reflects a Safer New York City
While the city’s homicide-free streak has ended, officials emphasize that the broader trend is clear: New York City is experiencing its safest year in modern history. With shootings, murders, and violent crimes all reaching new lows, 2025 marks a significant shift in the city’s public safety landscape.
