LA homicides in 2017 dropped 4 percent from previous year

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Figures newly released on Wednesday show 282 people were killed in Los Angeles over the past year, a decrease of more than 4 percent over the previous year.

The number of homicides in L.A. has been kept under 300 for the eighth year in a row.

The numbers are a dramatic improvement since 15 years ago, when the number of people killed was twice as high.

The Los Angeles Police Department said the vast majority of the homicides -- 171 -- were caused by gang violence.

While the numbers show improvements, police say work needs to be done in the communities that suffer most.

"The homicides in our city impacted Hispanics primarily, followed by African-Americans, No. 2, as victims and suspects, so the investments in those communities pay dividends in terms of less homicides," said LAPD Deputy Chief Justin Eisenberg.

Another segment of the population affected largely by homicides was the homeless. Officials said 44 victims and 33 suspects were homeless.