Illinois' second-largest city finished 2012 without a single homicide.
The Beacon-News reports that Aurora was homicide-free last year for the first time since 1946.
The last killing reported in the western Chicago suburb was on Dec. 21, 2011. That's when a 21-year-old woman died in a domestic violence attack.
Aurora has struggled with gang violence in the past. The city's homicides peaked with 26 in 1995 and 1996. As recently as 2007, the city averaged more than one homicide per month. By 2011, Aurora logged only two homicides for the year.
Aurora Police Chief Greg Thomas calls the turnaround "amazing" and says the city went through a lot to reduce violence.
Aurora had almost 198,000 residents, according to the 2010 census.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:03:42 GMT
Protesters of Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's plan to close dozens of city schools have been removed from a school board meeting in Chicago and from the State Capitol in Springfield.
Protesters of Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's plan to close dozens of city schools have been removed from a school board meeting in Chicago and from the State Capitol in Springfield.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:14 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:14:22 GMT
A 19-year-old former student at Glenbard East High School in Lombard has been charged with planning to commit an act of violence at the school, DuPage County prosecutors announced Wednesday.
A 19-year-old former student at Glenbard East High School in Lombard has been charged with planning to commit an act of violence at the school, DuPage County prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:10 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:10:07 GMT
Though at least five ambulances and Fire Department personnel were dispatched to Midway Airport when a 737 reported a cracked windshield, the plane landed safely Wednesday morning.
Though at least five ambulances and Fire Department personnel were dispatched to Midway Airport when a 737 reported a cracked windshield, the plane landed safely Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:13 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:13:43 GMT
An attorney for an 87-year-old grandmother who accuses Donald Trump of cheating her in a condo deal has told jurors the "Apprentice" star lied on the witness stand.
An attorney for an 87-year-old grandmother who accuses Donald Trump of cheating her in a condo deal has told jurors the "Apprentice" star lied on the witness stand.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:54 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:54:21 GMT
A one-of-a-kind Chicago Public School is doing very well amid the controversy surrounding CPS closures, and the final Chicago Board of Education vote on the plan scheduled for Wednesday.
A one-of-a-kind Chicago Public School is doing very well amid the controversy surrounding CPS closures, and the final Chicago Board of Education vote on the plan scheduled for Wednesday.
