
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, April 26, 1993                   TAG: 9304260033
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

FBI: MURDERS DOWN, BUT VIOLENT CRIME ISN'T

The number of murders last year dropped 6 percent although total violent crimes remained steady with increases in rapes and assaults, the FBI reported Sunday.

Overall, serious crimes nationwide declined 4 percent during 1992 compared to the previous year, a decrease carried by the 4 percent drop in property crimes.

While the number of murders decreased, the violent crimes of forcible rape and aggravated assault increased by 2 percent each and robbery decreased by 3 percent.

The FBI's preliminary findings on its Uniform Crime Report include only percentages of changes, not totals for the year.

by CNB