Los Angeles homicide rate increases

LOS ANGELES, March 6 (UPI) -- Homicides in Los Angeles have abruptly increased since January, turning around almost a half decade decline in the city's killings, authorities said.

A total of 74 killings in 2008 marks a 27 percent increase compared to last year's homicide statistics during the same time period, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

"At this point, there is no rhyme or reason to it. And finding those links is our bread and butter when it comes to figuring out what's going on," Assistant Police Chief Earl Paysinger told the Times.

The increase included multiple high-profile deaths, including those of athletes and children, which add to the perception of growing violence in the city, the report said.

Experts reportedly warned that it is too soon to decide whether the escalation is a temporary spike or the start of a longer rise, the Times said.