NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Sullivan Cites Rising Youth Murder Rate
Health and Human Services Secretary Louis W. Sullivan said that 11% of deaths among minors involve use of guns and the youth homicide rate must be reduced, especially among blacks. He cited new federal statistics showing that since 1968, murder has been the leading cause of death for black youths. In 1984 through 1987, killings in this group rose 53%, and a gun was used in about 80% of them. About 42% of fatal shootings among all teen-agers were suicides; 8% were accidental. The statistics were released with a documentary on youth homicide.
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