evidence: MILWAUKEE — Violent crime remains a major focus in Milwaukee. In a news conference Thursday, the Milwaukee Police Department said serious crimes were down 15% from 2021, but homicides were up. In fact, for the third year in a row, Milwaukee broke its homicide record; 214 people were homicide victims in Milwaukee in 2022. In 2021, Milwaukee lost 193 lives to homicide — the previous record. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said efforts from law enforcement, city leaders and community members are essential to curb the crime rate, especially when it comes to homicides.