Death from Unnatural Causes: Homicides, Drive-By Shootings

Reducing violence-related morbidity and mortality among adolescents and young adults is an urgent public health priority that is strongly related to the availability of firearms. Homicide disproportionately impacts adolescents and young adults. In 2007, homicide was the second leading cause of death among those 12 to 24 years of age, and more than 83% of all homicides were the result of a firearm injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homicide among youth accounted for more than 605,000 years of potential life lost (YPLL), representing significant social and economic loss. Police records provide additional information on the burden of homicide among those under the age of 25 years. According to figures released by the Department of Justice, persons age 24 years and ...