Proof! The crime is not just in N. Philly and West Philly.

[orrmobl]

Originally Posted by newmarlig

This is a one time horrible, frightful incident, but it should not deter people from coming into center city. Remember murders are also committted in the "safe" suburbs.

Oh yeah, this kind of stuff happens ALL the time in the suburbs, and the increasing level of everyday violence in the worst parts of the city will obviously not bleed over to the good sections, putting everyone at increased risk of violence . Anybody want to buy a bridge or some swampland?

[leighland]

Originally Posted by leighland

i certainly feel safer in Downtown Chicago (pop 5+ million) verses downtown Philly (pop. 1+ million) but its not due to one albeit terrifying incident-its just the vibe I get.

Hey thats emotional and reactionary of me
I meant downtown, around 19102, not in suburbs.

[FindingZen]

I am not surprised to see the subject of the Starbucks manager killed on the SEPTA platform discussed here. It would seem that people would react perhaps one of two ways.

1. Those who are already averse to living or visiting the city will be even less inclined to do so.

2. Those who do live, work or play in the city will see the incident as a reminder to be aware of their surroundings but realize this was a rare incident for Center City.

FWIW, here's another article to consider:

Philadelphia slayings still falling in 2008 | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/15/2008 (broken link)

Now, 50-something murders are still 50-something too much, but compared to 70-something last March, it's a step in a positive direction.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by leighland

One incident does not make a city unsafe. Thats reactionary and emotional. I happen to think that Philly is lets say, 'wound up' and I certainly feel safer in Downtown Chicago (pop 5+ million) verses downtown Philly (pop. 1+ million) but its not due to one albeit terrifying incident-its just the vibe I get.

Not trying to be particular or off-topic, but Chicago's population is under 3 million.

Anyway, I read about this frightening and just senseless incident, too, and while it is scary to think that it happened during broad daylight and in the downtown area, it's certainly not entirely unheard of. That hardly means it happens on a regular basis, and compared to many outlying Philadelphia neighborhoods, Center City is still MUCH safer.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by Tone509

FWIW, here's another article to consider:

Philadelphia slayings still falling in 2008 | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/15/2008 (broken link)

Now, 50-something murders are still 50-something too much, but compared to 70-something last March, it's a step in a positive direction.

Well said, Tone, and thanks for posting that. Since the beginning of the year, there has been a consistent decline in murders around 30% compared to last year, which is encouraging to say the least. One incident -- although sobering and tragic -- hardly provides implications for a larger trend.

[CHIP72]

FWIW, there was a sniper shooting indiscriminately at cars along I-64 near Charlottesville in central VA yesterday that closed down part of the interstate for about 6 hours, and that part of Virginia isn't exactly part of any city. I'm SURE that kind of thing happens all the time in that part of rural Virginia however.

[Casey's Dad]

Not to condone what these cretinous hoodlums did, but had Mr. Conroy not suffered a fatal heart attack, this would have been simply a harrassment situation - punk kids picking on a random person just for kicks. I'd venture a guess that harrassment like this happens more than people believe, both in large cities and smaller towns. This is no reason to think that Center City is becoming rife with murderers. It's just a shame that truant kids have to resort to this kind of behavior for their "fun". Because of Mr. Conroy's death at their hands they should all be prosecuted to the fullest extent. It's not going to keep me away from Philly, though.

[ApartmentNomad]

Originally Posted by Casey's Dad

Not to condone what these cretinous hoodlums did, but had Mr. Conroy not suffered a fatal heart attack, this would have been simply a harrassment situation - punk kids picking on a random person just for kicks. I'd venture a guess that harrassment like this happens more than people believe, both in large cities and smaller towns. This is no reason to think that Center City is becoming rife with murderers. It's just a shame that truant kids have to resort to this kind of behavior for their "fun". Because of Mr. Conroy's death at their hands they should all be prosecuted to the fullest extent. It's not going to keep me away from Philly, though.

It would have been an assault, which is serious enough as it is.

[Casey's Dad]

Originally Posted by ApartmentNomad

It would have been an assault, which is serious enough as it is.

True; oversight on my part calling it simply harassment.

[orrmobl]

Originally Posted by Casey's Dad

Not to condone what these cretinous hoodlums did, but had Mr. Conroy not suffered a fatal heart attack, this would have been simply a harrassment situation - punk kids picking on a random person just for kicks. I'd venture a guess that harrassment like this happens more than people believe, both in large cities and smaller towns. This is no reason to think that Center City is becoming rife with murderers. It's just a shame that truant kids have to resort to this kind of behavior for their "fun". Because of Mr. Conroy's death at their hands they should all be prosecuted to the fullest extent. It's not going to keep me away from Philly, though.

I've never heard of blaming the victim for his own death after being assaulted for other no reason than happening to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. By that reasoning if people with bullet allergies would wear their vests whenever outside of their homes, they wouldn't die when they are accidentally shot. Just common sense, right?

Congratulations, you have invented a whole new genre of scapegoating.