News Releases

LADA has consistently filed 83-90% of murder cases presented to the office by law enforcement, with more than 4,600 cases filed since 2016

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is proud to announce that its annual murder filing rates from 2016 to 2023 have remained consistent, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to justice for victims of violent crime. The filing rates reflect the percentage of murder cases filed out of the total number of potential cases presented by law enforcement.

"Our office remains unwavering in its commitment to holding offenders accountable and delivering justice for victims and their families," said District Attorney Gascón. "The consistency in our murder filing rates from the last administration to my administration is a testament to our office’s resolute dedication and the tireless efforts of our prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement partners. This stability in our filing rates underscores the effectiveness of our collaborative approach to addressing the most serious crimes and reinforces our pledge to ensure that every case is thoroughly pursued."

The LADA's consistent filing rates in the 83-90% range over the last two administrations reflects the office's longstanding dedication to thoroughly pursuing justice in murder cases. Under DA Gascón, the office has had an annual average filing rate of nearly 86%. Between 2016-2023, LADA filed 4,619 murder cases. Murder cases are among the most complex and difficult to prosecute, often requiring meticulous investigation and a collaborative approach.

(Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office murder filing rates by defendant; CA PC 187 and 187(a) (murder)).

Recent significant cases prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office:

• Anthony Francisco Jones was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on September 13, 2024, for the murder and sexual assault of one woman and the sexual assault of another in the Venice Canals neighborhood in 2024.
• Freddie Lee Trone was convicted on August 7, 2024, for the murder of rap artist Rakim Hasheem Allen (PnB Rock) at a South Los Angeles restaurant in 2022. In addition to the murder charge, Trone was convicted of two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. He is scheduled for sentencing on September 23, 2024.

In addition to its filing efforts, the LADA's Office actively collaborates with local law enforcement agencies to raise community awareness about unsolved murder crimes. These efforts include public appeals for information and working closely with community organizations to ensure that crucial leads are brought forward to law enforcement.

The LADA's Bureau of Victim Services also plays a crucial role in supporting those affected by murder and other violent crimes. The bureau provides trauma-informed services designed to assist those affected by these crimes through the criminal justice process, offering counseling, support, and resources to help them navigate the challenges they face.

To aid in solving unsolved murders and other violent crimes, the public is encouraged to provide tips and information. Those with any knowledge of these cases are urged to contact Crime Stoppers USA at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit CSUSA.org to submit anonymous tips.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for all victims and ensuring that our community remains safe.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Are murders increasing in Los Angeles County?

A: Based on the most recent data from the Los Angeles Police Department and LA County Sheriff’s officials, thankfully these crimes appear to be on the decline locally. Nationally, murders began rising in 2020 but have been steadily decreasing since 2022, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Q: What is a filing rate?

A: A filing rate is a percentage that reflects the number of murder cases filed out of the total number of potential cases presented by law enforcement.

Q: Why do filing rates change?

A: Some fluctuation in filing rates is normal, as presented cases and investigations can vary widely year to year.

Q: What is counted as a murder in your filing rates?

A: Any crime charged with a 187 or 187(a) charge.

Q: How is a filing rate different from a conviction rate?

A: A filing rate shows how many cases we pursue. A conviction rate indicates how many cases have gained a conviction.

Q: Why don’t you share annual conviction rates the same way you’re sharing annual filing rates?

A: In part because, by law, prosecutors have a very short window of time to file a case after a case is formally presented to our office by law enforcement and, as such, the filing rate is representative of our office’s expedience and care. We file cases in a matter of days. By comparison, murderconvictions can take years from the date of filing depending on the complexity of the case, and delays can be reliant on factors outside the prosecution’s control, such as the court calendar. The convictions reported in any given year are generally not for the same cases filed that year, and therefore not representative.