The irony of an artist being murdered while working on an anti-violence mural is too much the stomach but it is also the reality mourners of Antonio Ramos are faced with.
Oakland police told KQED Arts a gunman opened fire on the 27-year-old Ramos around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, and walked around just before responding officers arrived on the scene. Ramos was later taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.
The incident occurred in the 3500 block of West Street under the Interstate 580 overpass just as Ramos was nearly completed with the 4,000-square-foot anti-violence mural. It was the third of six art pieces by the Oakland Superheroes Mural Project, a community effort that was against the very same thing that cost Ramos his life.
“It’s a shocking moment. It’s disbelief,” said Javier Rocabado, the designer of the mural. “I saw my friend standing up and getting shot and next thing he’s on the floor dying for nothing.”
“In the midst of beautifying the community with youth messages of hope and love, this horrific tragedy happens,” members of the Oakland Superheroes told the media.
The Oakland Police Department hasn’t released a motive for the shooting nor did they report any suspects in mind.
Ramos joined the Oakland Superheros in 2012 and was considered to be an incredibly positive spirit. His family is asking for donations to help shoulder the funeral costs via YouCaring.
Flicks of Ramos and his anti-violence mural-turned candlelight vigil can be seen in the gallery. The peace needs to be increased, people.
H/T: Raw Story
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Photos: Oakland Superheroes Mural Project
