Fifty-three crosses cover the lawn outside City Hall in Camden, each one representing a man or woman who was killed in the city this year.
The most recent death was Michael Hallar, 40, who was shot and killed outside an apartment complex on Elm Street.
The city of 77,000 is close to breaking a record set back in 1995 when 58 people were murdered.
Residents told NBC10's Claudia Rivero that with so many people living in the city below the poverty line, it's a daily struggle.
"From my observation it's lack of opportunities here, there's no jobs," said Jeffrey Mitchell, Camden resident.
"We can't afford to move no other place," said Elliot Pinero, Camden resident.
Despite on-going challenges of poverty, drugs and violence, some long-time residents tell NBC10 they still have hope.
"Starting with the officials, if they really put an effort, they could stop it," said Pinero.
