Chicago sees 18 percent jump in murders

According to Chicago police, the number of murders in the city rose 18 percent in the first seven months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

There were 291 people murdered between January and July, up from 246 in 2007 and 266 in 2006.

The murder rate was showing a 13 percent increase for the year during May and June. However, the 62 murders in July contributed to the uptick to 18 percent.

If the trend in murders continue the rest of the year, Chicago would finish with more than 500 murders for the first time since 2003. That year, Chicago had more than 600 murders.

Chicago police spokeswoman Monique Bond says the increase could be due to gang fights over turf. She added the majority of homicides in Chicago are gang-related with high percentages of offenders and victims having criminal histories.