Following the tragic murder of an Oakland street artist, who was fatally shot while painting an anti-violence mural on September 29, community members of all ages have come together to complete the artwork.

27-year-old Antonio Ramos was killed in an altercation that turned deadly when an argument broke out between the artist and an unknown assailant.

The artist had been commissioned to paint the mural by Attitudinal Healing Connection, a West Oakland group that seeks to stop violence by inspiring people with art and eduction.

The artist had posted a photo on social media of himself working on the mural.
Photo: Michael Macor via The Chronicle

Yesterday, professional artists and local kids gathered underneath the West Oakland underpass where the killing took place to complete the mural in a show of solidarity and unity.

Head artist Javier Rocabado told ABC7 News, “Participation of the students is very important because they’re going to be proud of what they’re doing. This is going to stay until they grow older.”

“My family lives here,” one of the young participants, Jose Stewart, added. “I love Oakland; it’s my favorite place.”

The artist was working on an anti-violence mural.
Photo: Wayne Freeman (@waynefreeman) via Twitter

Volunteer Kalee Richardson said that Oakland needs messages of peace “To stop the violence.”

Jaquita Covin, who brought her young children to help paint the mural, explained, “I believe that, you know, showing them it’s ok, come down here, you can still come and help your community.”

Last Wednesday, 200 mourners attended a vigil at the site and left notes and candles in memory of the slain artist, Antonio Ramos.

Marcus Norris, Ramos’s childhood friend, told the Oakland Tribune that he was “an idealist.” Adding that “He was concerned about the next generation…he wanted to help make a world where people live life as they should, being free and caring for others.”

Oakland Police released this image of the murder suspect.
Photo: KGO-TV via ABC7 News

Meanwhile, ABC7 News reported that Oakland police have released information on the murder suspect, describing him as a black man in his 20s, standing at about 6 feet tall and with a thin built. The police released a photo from surveillance camera footage.