Plymouth County Had 7 Homicides, 165 Overdoses In 2020: Police

PLYMOUTH, MA — Massachusetts State Police Detectives investigated seven homicides and one officer-involved shooting and responded to 165 suspected fatal drug overdoses in 2020, said District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz in a news release Friday.

The county experienced a slight decrease in homicide cases compared to 2019, down three from the 10 investigated by police last year. However, more people were hit by gunfire in Brockton in 2020, with 31 struck this year and 23 struck last year.

"As District Attorney I see firsthand the impact of violence and homicide on the community, particularly on surviving family and friends," said DA Cruz in a statement. "The tentacles of trauma associated with gun violence and homicide run deep, and the ripple effect is wide."

The county experienced an increase in suspected fatal drug overdoses in 2020, up 22 from the 143 overdoses police responded to in 2019.

"One overdose is one too many," said DA Cruz. "This coming year, we will continue our work with the Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force to get help and resources to those addicted and their families."

DA Cruz said the county will respond to the issues of gun violence and overdosing by holding shooters accountable while still continuing its Operation Safe Streets task force and expanding its Handle with Care program so all 27 communities in Plymouth County are provided with tools and training to address trauma.