WORCESTER—Worcester experienced a sharp rise in homicides in 2024, with 16 fatal incidents reported—up from six in 2023.
This 166% increase marks the highest number of homicides in the city since 1986, according to Worcester Police Department data. Historically, from 2009 to 2023, Worcester averaged eight homicides annually—half the number recorded in 2024.
Several recent double homicides have drawn attention, including the fatal shootings of 27-year-old Chasity Nuñez and her 11-year-old daughter, Zella, inside a car on Englewood Avenue. Additionally, 76-year-old Sergia Acosta and her 58-year-old daughter, Ana Maria Martinez, were fatally stabbed in an apartment in Webster Square.
Comparing crime trends
While Worcester saw a rise in homicides, other Massachusetts cities reported different trends. Springfield recorded a 45% decline, with 17 homicides in 2024, down from 31 in 2023. Boston reported 24 homicides last year. However, as of early March 2025, Worcester has recorded zero homicides, compared to four at the same time in 2024.
Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier attributed four of last year’s homicides to gang violence. He also noted that 13 of the 16 cases have been solved through arrests.
“Working with our federal partners within the CGIU, we continue to match ballistic evidence with recovered firearms in hopes of connecting shooters to different crime scenes,” Saucier stated.
Decrease in non-fatal shootings
Despite the increase in homicides, Worcester saw a significant drop in non-fatal shootings. The city recorded 17 incidents involving 20 victims in 2024, down from 34 incidents with 39 victims in 2023. This represents a 50% decrease in shooting incidents and a nearly 49% reduction in victims.
“These were isolated, targeted incidents,” said Worcester Police Department spokesperson Joe Cersosimo. “However, within our ShotSpotter areas, we know there were 997 casings recovered in 2023 and 775 in 2024. We had 17 non-fatal shootings in 2024, which was the lowest in the past five years. We treat every non-fatal shooting as a homicide in the hopes of removing shooters from the streets.”
Crime gun intelligence unit takes action
To combat firearm-related violence, the Worcester Police Department launched the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU) in April 2024. This specialized team of four officers and one sergeant focuses on locating and confiscating illegal firearms. Since its formation, the unit has made 40 firearm-related arrests and removed 25 illegal guns from city streets.
“The CGIU prioritizes targeting the most dangerous individuals involved in firearm-related offenses, including repeat gun offenders,” a department spokesperson said. “The unit also follows up on every ShotSpotter activation and recently arrested a juvenile in possession of a pistol modified with a Glock switch, making it a machine gun.”
City Manager Eric Batista emphasized the city’s commitment to curbing gun violence. “Violence of this nature is unacceptable, and we are always concerned any time there is an uptick in violence, particularly gun violence,” Batista told the Worcester Guardian. “The CGIU is dedicated to producing precise, timely, and actionable intelligence.”
Community engagement effforts
Alongside enforcement measures, the Worcester PD expanded community engagement efforts. Officers have increased patrols in neighborhoods experiencing heightened tensions and have implemented programs aimed at youth outreach.
“We have increased community engagement patrols where officers are required to walk a foot beat for 30 minutes to build relationships with the community,” Cersosimo said. “The WPD Gang Unit continues to hold its G.A.N.G. Camp every summer. We also support AMPP Worcester, a youth music program that partners officers with young people, and participate in various school-based initiatives.”
City officials encourage residents to report suspicious activity and take part in safety programs. Anonymous reporting options remain available for those hesitant to come forward.
Batista framed the homicide increase as an anomaly, stating, “These were isolated, targeted incidents that police have zeroed in on. They are using every tool at their disposal to bring perpetrators to justice. Despite the recent uptick in fatal violence, non-fatal shootings have dramatically decreased, and Worcester remains one of the safest cities in the country.”
Matt Olszewski is a freelance content and news writer based in Boston, MA. In his free time, Matt enjoys running, hiking or skiing. Matt just graduated with his MPH from Tufts University. He can be reached at mattoskier@gmail.com
