The latest NYPD crime statistics shows that drugs are a factor in at least half of New York City homicides - and two out of three victims are black

Statistics reveal that 49% of all murder victims in New York City are involved with drug use and/or drug sales. The figure is 53% for murder suspects. The numbers say that 67% of murder victims are African-American, with 25% Hispanic and just 4% white. In 12% of city slayings, drugs are the exclusive motive. Police say that figure is much higher when other factors such as previous disputes and criminal histories of victims and suspects are included. The statistics show that 65% of killings occur outdoors; only 10% of murder suspects were women, and 77% of victims knew their killers.