BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A rise in violent crime is leading to more delays in justice in Vermont courtrooms.

The number of homicides in Vermont has increased in recent years to levels not seen since the early ’90s.

“When we look at how one homicide can ripple through a whole system, it means that all the other criminal activity takes a back seat,” said Tim Leuders Dumont with the Vermont State’s Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Department.

When comparing 10-year Vermont homicide averages, the state averaged 11 per year from 2001 to 2010. That increased in the next decade to 12. But in the last five years alone, the state has averaged 22 per year.

“Part of that increase we’ve absolutely seen tied to our hospitable drug marketplace and the prevalence of firearms,” Dumont said. He says there are

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