ATLANTA — Violent crime fell across Georgia in 2025, including significant declines in homicides, robberies, burglaries and car thefts, according to new FBI crime statistics.
The numbers mirror a nationwide decline in crime, but for one metro Atlanta mother whose son was killed earlier this year, the statistics carry a much different meaning.
Santina Tucker’s son, Justin Tucker, 29, was shot and killed five months ago outside his Sandy Springs apartment.
Channel 2 Action News first spoke with Tucker following her son’s death.
On Monday, Channel 2’s Michael Seiden spoke with her again after the FBI released its latest crime data.
“For me, it’s just been like a nightmare, pretty much,” Tucker said. “I wake up, and I want to call Justin and see how he’s doing, and I can’t do that. I wish I could get a hug from him.”
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According to statistics provided by the FBI, violent crime in Georgia dropped 6.1% in 2025 compared with 2024.
The declines stretched across every major category highlighted by the FBI:
- Homicides: down 18.3%
- Robberies: down 14.2%
- Rapes: down 7.8%
- Aggravated assaults: down 4.2%
- Property crimes: down 14.2%
- Burglaries: down 17.7%
- Motor vehicle thefts: down 25.5%
Car theft represented one of the largest declines in Georgia.
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham said local police departments have placed an increased focus on the problem.
“One of the really big ones that stands out to me is car thefts down 25%,” Graham said. “That’s really significant because that is one of the things that we know has been problematic.”
Graham said there is no single explanation for the broader decline in crime. She pointed to partnerships between federal and local law enforcement, efforts to arrest violent offenders and fugitives, removing guns from the streets, and aggressive federal prosecutions.
“Prosecutions are being handled aggressively,” Graham said. “We are seeking sentences that are commensurate with the crimes that are being committed, and there’s a rededicated, a whole-of-government approach.”
The declines weren’t limited to Georgia.
According to the FBI statistics provided to Channel 2 Action News, violent crime nationwide fell 9.3% in 2025 compared with 2024.
Nationally:
- Murder: down 18.1%
- Robbery: down 18.5%
- Rape: down 7.6%
- Aggravated assault: down 7.2%
- Property crime: down 12.4%
- Burglary: down 15.8%
- Motor vehicle theft: down 22.7%
Despite the declines, Graham stressed that the numbers don’t mean law enforcement’s work is finished.
“We stand with those families,” Graham said. “Although there has been a significant reduction in crime, there is much work to be done.”
For Tucker, hearing that Georgia’s homicide rate dropped more than 18% brought mixed emotions.
“I’m happy that the crime rate is going down,” Tucker said. “As far as how it’s affecting me, it doesn’t, because the crime that happened to my son has already happened.”
Tucker said she is grateful to know the numbers are improving but said the loss of her son is something she will live with for the rest of her life.
“I’m happy that hopefully another family doesn’t have to go through what I’m going through right now,” Tucker said. “I would hate for another family to have to go through what I’m going through at this moment.”
The FBI said it plans to continue working with local law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest violent offenders and fugitives.
Graham also told Channel 2 Action News that she recently spoke with Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum about identifying an additional violent fugitive who could potentially be added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
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