January & February 2026 National Crime Report
So far this year, many different instances of crime have been recorded from all around the United States. Starting off the year on a more positive note, with a statistic from ABC news claiming that homicides continue to fall in Detroit, as the city mirrors a national trend on violent crime. Murders in the area began to plummet, as the city recorded its lowest number of criminal homicides since the early to mid 1960s. Along with similar remarks from a story in New Orleans, reporting that violent crime in Crescent city declined for a third consecutive year. Looking further into the month of January, according to CBS news, former Olympic Snowboarder Ryan Wedding was arrested for alleged drug trafficking, being previously placed on the FBI’s most wanted list. In the continuation of drug trafficking, a beauty salon known as Magic Esthetic Salon was found linked to alleged money laundering, and drug trafficking cocaine to the U.S. through Costa Rica.
Moving into February, more news stories arise on the topic of Ryan Wedding, and his proclamation of pleading not guilty to his drug and murder charges. NBC news also touched on more local crime, stating that there were 5 arrested in connection to the shooting of an Indiana judge and his wife. Along with the largest headline of the month, 17 year old Hailey Buzbee. The resident of Fishers Indiana was kidnapped in January of 2026, but her remains were found in Perry County Ohio during February. Suspect 39 year old Tyler Thomas is now in custody after formerly meeting her online, and killing her at a short term rental. To wrap up February, NBC news also claimed that the Bali suitcase killer has been freed on good behavior, and deported to the United States. As well as a statement on Nick Reiner, pleading not guilty to two murder charges.
Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts
//www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts
