After a violent week, Prince George’s County will see its murder rate increase in 2007, dimming hopes for continuing the progress made last year.

As of press time, there had been 140 homicides in the county, up 4.5 percent from 134 in 2006. The 2006 totals were considered great progress over the record high of 169 in 2005. Until last weekend, this year’s numbers were on pace with 2006. But since Dec. 21, five men have been killed in Prince George’s, each from gunshot wounds.