DECATUR, Ala. — Homicides in Morgan County have increased at an alarming rate. The Sheriff's Office says they've handled ten so far this year compared to zero last year.
However, one good thing is that all of the cases have been solved. Of the ten homicides this year, seven were part of a mass killing in Valhermoso Springs in June.
"It's the same things that we see all the time. It's either drug-related, domestic issues that boil over. Same thing we're seeing this year it's just in larger numbers," says Morgan County Sheriff Public Information Officer, Mike Swafford.
Swafford says they've handled 10 homicides this year. Last year the number of homicides was zero, and in 2018 only three homicides.
"2020 has brought unique things to families, households, school ended early. School's about to start back. People's jobs were affected. So all of that introduces an element of stress which is really what we've seen in these cases have led to some of the incidents because it's just the managing of your stress," says Swafford.
Swafford says the crimes have been solved, but it's taken a toll on law enforcement. Couple that with the rise in domestic violence related calls.
"What Sheriff Puckett has been very keen on is monitoring the pulse, and making sure that we have resources available. So, for the septuple homicide, everybody that was involved in that - we've had two rounds of counseling," says Swafford.
While mental health is important for law enforcement, Swafford says they've also been able to partner well with other agencies.
"It's a give and take, but we have a great relationship with all the municipalities, which really maximizes both their efforts and ours," says Swafford.
Other homicides in the county include the Danville triple murders in May that were solved by the Decatur Police Department.