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CRIME analysts are hopeful that this year may see the lowest murder toll recorded in over a decade.

As of last Friday, the murder toll stood at 274. The comparative toll for the same period was 481. If current trends continue, then the annual projection is approximately 360 murders.

And even if one is to factor in typical late-year fluctuations, the lower range (if pace slows) should be about 345, while the upper range (if pace rises) may be about 375.