Image of man pointing gun at homeless person before killing him. Image enhanced by AI on Neural.love Feb. 2023
Image of man pointing gun at homeless person before killing him on Tucker Blvd in St. Louis Feb. 27. 2023. Image enhanced by AI on Neural.love Feb. 2023

This murder was so hard to watch, I am not even adding a link to it. The murder saddened my heart and to do it to a homeless person who is the most vulnerable in St. Louis is just horrifying? The homeless man was David Saldana, and people around the area like him and called him a quiet person. The incident happen on March 27, 2023 on a Monday in midday.

AI redrew the execution style murder scene in St. Louis into skate boarders having fun. AI Image Feb. 2023
AI redrew the execution style murder scene in St. Louis into skate boarders having fun. AI Image Feb. 2023

So when AI put a frolicking spin to this sad image, I wondered what was it thinking? What was it seeing? Was AI thinking this is the way it should be on Tucker Blvd. in St. Louis? Was AI dreaming or doing some wishful-thinking exercise? The picture prompts more questions than answers.

No traffic on Market Street in Downtown St. Louis November 1, 2022.
No traffic on Market Street in Downtown St. Louis November 1, 2022. Credit AI Assistant

St. Louis has a high murder rate compared to other cities in the United States. In 2021, St. Louis recorded 262 homicides, which was an increase from the 2020 total of 262 homicides.

St Louis City skyline with Gateway Arch from Popular St. Bridge Feb. 2021. credit craig currie
St Louis City skyline with Gateway Arch from Popular St. Bridge Feb. 2022 by AI

However, it’s worth noting that the city’s homicide rate has been declining since the 1990s when it was one of the most dangerous cities in the country. Despite this decline, St. Louis still has a higher murder rate than many other major cities in the US.

Washington Avenue blocked off at Tucker Blvd, in Downtown St Louis. (Aug. 28, 2020)
Washington Avenue blocked off at Tucker Blvd, in Downtown St Louis. (Aug. 28, 2020)

There are many factors that contribute to the high murder rate in St. Louis, including poverty, drug use, and access to firearms. The city has implemented various programs and initiatives to address these issues and reduce violent crime.

St. Louis Gateway Arch Park Nov.2021. Credit Craig Currie
St. Louis Gateway Arch Park Nov.2021. Credit AI

It’s important to note that behind each murder statistic is a tragic loss of life and a devastating impact on families and communities. It’s crucial to address the root causes of violence and invest in prevention and intervention efforts to reduce the number of murders in St. Louis and other cities.

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