Health officials say homicides in Virginia fell from 2005 to 2006, but suicides rose. Newly released data from the Virginia Department of Health shows homicides decreased more than 14 percent from 2005 to 2006. Of the 427 homicide victims in 2006, about 78 percent were males, 60 percent were black and 23 percent were between the ages of 25 and 34. Perpetrators used a firearm in 71 percent of cases. About 22 percent of homicides occurred in Richmond — but city officials say the total number of homicides dipped to 55 for 2007. Suicides in Virginia rose from 810 in 1999 to 884 in 2006. Males comprised 75 percent of the victims.