Death toll in domestic violence off in Lucas County

The number of murders caused by domestic violence dropped in 2007 but was the leading cause of homicide locally, according to a review by the Lucas County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team at the University of Toledo's College of Law.

Law Prof. Gabrielle Davis said nine homicides occurred in 2007 as a result of domestic violence, out of a total of 17 killings. Twelve occurred in 2006, nine in 2005, and eight in 2004.

"Domestic violence was the leading cause of murder in Lucas County in 2007 - more than any other identifiable cause," she said.