Kids join effort to finish mural where Oakland artist was shot, killed

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Artists of all ages were hard at work Wednesday trying to finish what an Oakland artist started. Antonio Ramos was shot and killed down as he painted a special mural. He was part of a team working to create a place of beauty and peace in West Oakland. On Wednesday, neighborhood children joined the effort.

The kids didn't know much about what happened there, only why they want to be there.

"My family lives here," said young volunteer Jose Stewart. "I love Oakland, it's my favorite place."


With professional artists at their side, children from the neighborhood joined in the effort to finish the West Oakland mural about peace that was the scene of tragedy last week.

When asked why she thinks Oakland needs a message of peace, volunteer Kalee Richardson said, "To stop the violence."

"Participation of the students, of the children," said lead artist Javier Rocabado. "It's very important because they're going to be proud of what they're doing. This is going to stay until they grow older."

Ramos was shot and killed while painting near this very spot. The 27-year-old had exchanged just a few words with a passerby, who then shot him to death.

VIDEO: Witness describes moments before artist murdered in Oakland


After a few days off, the work of finishing what Ramos started resumed this week.

Jaquita Covin brought her young children out to help.

"I believe that, you know, showing them it's okay, come down here, you can still come and help our your community," she said.

Oakland police released a photo of a person of interest wanted in connection with Ramos' murder.

VIDEO: Oakland police seek person of interest in artist's death