The results show that a rapid increase in the Chicago homicide rate during the late 1980's and early 1990's can be attributed to a sharp rise in the victimization risk of young non-Latino black males. The increase in homicides occurred only in street gang- related homicides, and possibly in extrafamilial expressive confrontations. Two situational factors -- type of weapon used and involvement of drugs -- were closely related to these trends in youth homicide. The recent homicide escalation has been particularly risky for young victims, many of whom have been killed with high caliber or semi- or fully automatic weapons. 30 figures and 53 references