Juvenile crime in Maricopa County is increasing and becoming more violent. In 2023, the number of juveniles charged as adults increased by 32% compared to the previous year. Notably, 91% of these cases were violent or involved a firearm. These crimes included homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, weapons violations, motor vehicle theft, and stolen property.
Why it matters:
Videos of incidents shared on social media can perpetuate violence.
Perpetrators gain notoriety, causing further harm to victims and families.
The big picture:
Reporting helps ensure proper investigation.
It helps hold perpetrators accountable and can prevent further violence.
What’s next: Parents, teachers, and teens all play a crucial role in this effort. Encourage reporting instead of sharing videos on social media. If you see a video of teen violence, report it to law enforcement immediately.
Go deeper: For more information on reporting teen violence, visit MaricopaCountyAttorney.org/RDR.