By Joe Picozzi
Every homicide leaves behind more than a crime scene. It leaves grieving families, traumatized neighborhoods, and communities searching for answers.
While Philadelphia has made significant progress in solving murders, too many families are still waiting for justice. Nearly 800 homicides committed between 2021 and 2023 had not resulted in an arrest as of late 2025, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Even more troubling, nearly 2,000 homicides dating back to the 1970s remain unsolved. Each unresolved case represents a victim denied justice, loved ones left without closure, and dangerous offenders who may still threaten public safety.
Each unsolved murder represents a victim denied justice, a family denied closure, and potentially a violent offender who remains free to harm others. Solving homicides is not simply about accountability for past crimes—it is one of the most effective ways to prevent future violence. Many unsolved crimes can be attributed to a shortage of critical police personnel, and lack of investment in the technology and tools they need to assist in solving these crimes.
That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 911, the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act, which recently passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Shapiro as part of the FY2026-2027 Budget.
The VICTIM Act is designed to increase the clearance rates for homicides and other violent crimes by providing our law enforcement with additional and necessary tools to help solve these serious crimes.
This law establishes a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The program allows local law enforcement agencies to apply to PCCD for grants to help them solve homicides and other violent crimes. Grants could be used to hire and retain detectives and investigators; upgrade technology used to analyze evidence; and ensure compliance with the grant’s reporting requirements.
Significantly, the law also requires that this program be evaluated to determine what’s working, what isn’t, and to identify any areas of needed improvement.
Solving homicides and other violent crimes is about far more than improving statistics—it is about making our communities safer, restoring confidence in the justice system, and ensuring that victims are not forgotten. Every case that is solved represents a dangerous offender removed from our streets, making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Higher clearance rates also serve as a powerful deterrent. When violent criminals know law enforcement has the resources, technology, and determination to identify and prosecute offenders, it sends a clear message that these crimes will not go unanswered.
Equally important, successfully solving violent crimes strengthens public trust in law enforcement. Residents are more likely to cooperate with police, report suspicious activities, and serve as witnesses when they believe investigations are thorough, effective, and capable of delivering results. That partnership between law enforcement and the community is essential to preventing future crime.
Above all, every solved homicide represents justice for a victim and a measure of peace for the loved ones left behind. Families should not have to spend years—or even decades—wondering who took the life of someone they loved. While no investigation can erase their loss, holding offenders accountable provides answers, honors the victim’s memory, and allows families to begin the difficult process of healing. Our justice system has a responsibility to ensure that no victim is forgotten, and no family is left without hope that justice will ultimately prevail.
Justice should not have an expiration date. Every victim matters. Every family deserves answers. And every unsolved homicide deserves continued attention until those responsible are held accountable. For the families still waiting, justice delayed remains justice denied.