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Pioneering Criminologist Alfred Blumstein Passes at 95

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Alfred Blumstein, a Carnegie Mellon University criminology professor, died January 13 in Canton, Massachusetts, at age 95.
Carnegie Mellon University announced his death and noted he taught there from 1969 to 2016.
Blumstein revolutionized criminology by applying mathematical models to analyze crime, moving beyond anecdotal evidence.
Daniel Nagin noted Blumstein's contributions, including coining the term "criminal justice system."
Blumstein received the Stockholm Prize in Criminology in 2007 for his work.

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Story summary

Alfred Blumstein, a Carnegie Mellon University criminology professor, died January 13 in Canton, Massachusetts, at age 95.
Carnegie Mellon University announced his death and noted he taught there from 1969 to 2016.
Blumstein revolutionized criminology by applying mathematical models to analyze crime, moving beyond anecdotal evidence.
Daniel Nagin noted Blumstein's contributions, including coining the term "criminal justice system."
Blumstein received the Stockholm Prize in Criminology in 2007 for his work.