SLED reports highest murder rate in state in three decadesCOLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A new report shows murder rates are at their highest in South Carolina in three decades.The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division released its 2021 crime report Thursday.RELATED COVERAGEHow SC gubernatorial candidates plan to address rising crime in the stateOther statistics of note included weapon law violations rose 80.8% over the last decade.SLED Chief Mark Keel said, “We have seen murders increase 52.2% over the past ten years.The final murder, weapon law violation, and sexual battery numbers for this report should concern every citizen in our state.”Keel cited gangs, drugs, and easy access to firearms as playing a significant role in the increase in violence."