Corpus Christi has reported 29 homicides between Jan. 1 and Nov. 9, 2020.
The question is how does Corpus Christi's per capita crime rate compare to some of its neighbors?
“At first I used to complain because I didn’t like it here,” Beeville resident Ruby Arredondo said.
After being born and raised in Beeville, Arredondo lived in Corpus Christi for three years. But she says the crime was too much there.
“Beeville is a little bit quieter like I said, not much crime like there is in Corpus,” she said.
According to the Beeville Police Department, in 2019 the city had two homicides. From January to November there have been no homicides in 2020.
The homicide rate in Beeville was 0.02% while in Corpus Christi it was higher at 0.78%. Beeville Police Chief Robert Bridge says he believes the crime rate is lower because most people in the community know each other.
“The culture of the community also has a lot to do with the crime and the solving of the crime we here at the Beeville Police Department enjoy a very good working relationship with our community," Bridge said. "I believe that has an impact as well."
The population in Corpus Christi is estimated at nearly 333,000, compared to Beeville at 12,800. Beeville police say they are watchful for robberies. Bridge says he believes he knows the reason why there have been so many.
“I believe the COVID situation has also impacted that as well because we have been in this thing since March," Bridge said. "It's impacted a lot of people in a lot of different ways.”
For Arredondo, she says she is fine living in Beeville where she feels safe. When asked if she could see herself moving back to Corpus Christi she says not anytime soon.
“Like I said, all the crime and stuff going on there it’s just too scary for me over there,” said Arrendondo.
