August is Chicago's most violent month in 20 years, already, with more than 400 people shot and 78 homicides as of Monday, and with two more days to go.
Chicago has not experienced that many deaths in one month since 79 people were killed in homicides back in October 1997, said the Chicago Tribune in reporting on data from the city's police department.
That year, Chicago recorded 761 homicides. So far this year, the city has recorded 487 homicides with 2,800 people being shot. With four months left in 2016, Chicago is on verge of topping last year's homicide total of 491 and 2,988 being shot.
Chicago's homicide numbers become more shocking when compared to New York City, with a population three times its size. So far, New York City has had 222 homicides and 760 shooting victims, according to the city's crime statistics through Aug. 21, said the Tribune.
In Los Angeles, with a population of about four million (compared to Chicago's 2.7 million), there have been 176 homicides and 729 people shot, according to that city's data through Aug. 20.
The Chicago statistics were highlighted by the arrest of two brothers in the high-profile shooting death of Nykea Aldridge, 32, the cousin of Chicago Bulls star Dwyane Wade, said USA Today.
Alridge was pushing a baby stroller in Chicago's South Side when she was struck by a bullet from a nearby shooting. Darwin Sorells, 26, and Derren Sorells, 22, both affiliated with the Gangsters Disciples gang, were being held without bail.
"This reprehensible act of violence is the example of why we need to change the way we treat habitual offenders in the city of Chicago," said Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.
"When will enough be enough? This tragedy isn't just noteworthy because Ms. Aldridge has a famous family member. It's noteworthy because these two offenders are the prime examples of ... repeat gun offenders who don't care who they shoot."
USA Today saod Derren Sorells was released from prison two weeks before last Friday's shooting and had six previous felony arrests. Darwin Sorells was on parole for a felony gun charge.
Chicago police blame an increasing gang problem – some of it starting on social media – along with a flow of illegal firearms through dangerous neighborhoods as contributing to the city's continued violence, said the Tribune.
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