From 1960 to 1990, the number of homicides has increased by 337 percent. In the last 10 years, the number of homicides increased 64 percent. In 1990 the typical homicide victim was a 31 year-old black male. The percentage of black victims increased from 23 percent in 1984 to 55 percent in 1990. In 1990 the average homicide offender was a 23 year-old black male. The percentage of black offenders increased from 31 percent in 1984 to 60 percent in 1990. The offender and victim were known to each other in approximately 80 percent of the cases since 1984. Over 90 percent of homicides since 1984 were intraracial. The percentage of homicides involving a firearm increased during the last 2 years. Homicides were most likely to result from an argument. Milwaukee's proportion of Wisconsin's homicides increased from 40 percent in 1984 to 70 percent in 1990. Homicide victims in Milwaukee were more likely to be young black males. The proportion of homicides with firearms increased during the past 2 years. 19 figures and 6 tables