evidence: In Chicago, a 9-year old boy was one of 105 homicides in July alone. In Milwaukee, the homicide rate nearly doubled in the first half of 2020. Closer to home, in Memphis, Grind City has seen 18 more homicides this year compared to this time last year. What is behind the dramatic increase in the homicide rate? Like most things, it’s likely a combination of different factors, but according to some experts, gang violence is partly responsible.