In this study the welfare loss due to higher mortality generated by homicidal violence in Colombia during the period 1990-2005 is estimated. For this purpose the value of life approach is used, taking into account the heterogenic distribution of homicides among different departments, age groups and sexes. The welfare loss is estimated to be equivalent to 7,3% of the real GDP of 2005. It is also found that this loss disproportionally affects the young male of the Antioquia, Bogota and Valle del Cauca departments.