Dominican Republic sees 47 homicides in first two weeks of August, highest monthly rate in 14 months

The Dominican Republic registered at least three homicides per day during the first 14 days of August, with a total of 47 victims reported by the National Police. Although this figure shows a reduction of six cases compared to the same period last year, the monthly homicide rate has reached its highest point in the last 14 months.

Social conflicts were the primary driver of these killings, accounting for 29 deaths. Criminal activities resulted in nine fatalities, with six cases under investigation and three submitted to legal action. Homicides were most frequent on Sundays (11), followed by Saturdays (9) and Tuesdays (8). The highest number of incidents on a single day occurred on Saturday, August 8.

Geographically, Santo Domingo Este reported the highest incidence with 7 homicides, followed by Bahoruco and Santo Domingo Norte, each with 6 cases. These events pushed the monthly homicide rate to 9.52 per 100,000 inhabitants, the highest since July 2025, and the cumulative rate to 7.37, the highest since March of this year.

Beyond homicides, violent incidents during these two weeks left 84 people injured, an increase from the previous year. Nationally, over 2,107 robberies were recorded in the first half of August, with cell phones, motorcycles, and money being the most frequently stolen items. The police also reported significant seizures of illicit substances and cash during various operations.