beaten to death

A man was beaten to death just across from our shelter a couple nights ago. We didn't know what happened at first, just that there were 12 emergency vehicles out front. Having the police connections we do, we first found out that there had been a beating, and then later, that it was a murder - the man died in hospital.

An event like that puts everyone on edge. Do we know who it was? Do we know the person who did it? Answers are coming slowly. Word on the street gives us both the name of the victim, who was not one of our regulars, and the accused, who was. The media (although who can believe them) says the fight was over a cigarette, and that there were many involved. Apparently, the man who died was a nice gentle guy. People are upset, and understandably .

As for the accused, well, it's all speculation, but I would be inclined to believe it. The client is one I've gotten to know quite well, who has some serious anger issues. His body is riddle with knife marks and stab wounds, each on tells a story. He's been trying to detox, but returns to drinking within a couple days each time. When he's drinking, he's mean, and violent. It saddens me, but I believe the rumors could be true; only time will tell.

This is life on the street. Many people have warned me that the clients will die, and it will hurt. No one warned me that the clients will kill and it will hurt. It's interesting, and hard to imagine. I mean, I've known people who have killed, that just happens being where I am, but that's always been in the past, this is just so very present. I'm not hurting in the deeply disturbed keep me up all day sense or anything, I'm just...saddened? Maybe that's not the right word either. I'm... contemplative today, contemplative.