There were several shootings around the U.S. on New Year’s Day.
The cycle of violence began anew Monday as millions of merrymakers around the country welcomed 2018.
By no means do the below incidents make a comprehensive list of violent events that occurred Monday in the U.S. However, they provide a sobering snapshot of lives cut short around the country in the first hours of the new year.
CHICAGO
Chicago’s first known homicide of 2018 occurred around 2 a.m. Monday, when a 51-year-old man was fatally shot while driving in the Avondale neighborhood. He was reportedly found seated behind the wheel of a car that had crashed into a fence. His identity has not yet been released.
That shooting was one of at least 10 that occurred in the Windy City on New Year’s Day, The Chicago Tribune reported. The other incidents, which were nonfatal, include two double shootings.
Chicago police released statistics on Monday that show a 15.69 percent drop in murders in the city in 2017. Authorities said 650 people were murdered in 2017, down from 771 in 2016.
ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania’s third most populous city saw its first homicide of 2018 around 12:40 a.m.
Officers responding to a call found two men suffering from gunshot wounds, WFMZ-TV reported. Both were taken to an area hospital. Police said one died during treatment and that the other is in critical condition.
Authorities have not released the names of either man, but investigators said they are looking for the shooter. Anyone with information is asked to contact Allentown police at 610-437-7721.
GROVEPORT, OHIO
Ashley Marie Newman, 30, was pronounced dead at 12:14 a.m., according to WSYX News. Her husband, Sean M. Newman, 32, is accused of shooting her.
Authorities have not yet identified a motive.
