OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 30 (UPI) — An artist attempting to brighten up a crime-ridden part of Oakland with a colorful community mural fell victim to the dark side of the streets, authorities said, when he was shot and killed while painting the artwork.
Antonio Ramos was adding to the mural, located on a dreary freeway underpass, early Tuesday when he was targeted by the killer. It wasn’t immediately known why Ramos was targeted but investigators said it appears he had an argument with the gunman.
Police said about 10 people were working on the piece, called the Oakland Super Heroes Mural Project, at the time of the shooting. The mural is part of the Attitudinal Healing Connection, a West Oakland group that seeks to stop violence by inspiring people with art and education.
According to investigators, Ramos, 27, began arguing with a man who was not part of the group, who then pulled a gun and shot him before running away. The gunman remains at large.
“It’s the most heart-wrenching, most senseless thing that I can imagine,” Oakland City Councilman Dan Kalb said. “My heart goes out to his family. Here are young folks trying to do something positive for the community, and this happens.”
Police said Ramos’ homicide is the 71st in Oakland so far this year — 15 more than the city had last year at this time.
