This is an accurate analysis. Prior to moving to Texas, I lived for almost 3 years on Waterman, the street to which this couple's house backs. I lived on the same block as the McCloskeys but on the wrong side of our shared fence. I picked my apartment at that location because it gave me a semi-protected stance by virtue of backing to Portland Place. I figured I'd have a better chance of defending myself with my back side mostly covered (and I was correct).Grayling813 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2020 3:03 pm After having worked in St. Louis for 20 years, including the area that the neighborhood is in, I can tell you they are literally surrounded by bad actors. I was always amazed at the opulence of some of the gated neighborhoods in St. Louis that two blocks away you don't feel safe being there.
In St. Louis, this couple's risk of having their house burned down around them might be greater than the risk of going to jail for defending it.
It's a dangerous area. I've worked in industrial areas in Houston for 28 years, and very rarely have I encountered an enclave that I feel is as dangerous as that part of St. Louis. Only scrappy people live there, no matter their personal income level. It takes a certain type, because the chronic crime is a tough pill to swallow.
Much has been made of the opulence of the couple's home, but they bought it as a complete wreck 30 years ago and devoted themselves to its restoration. They are self-made in that respect, which may explain why they were so extra-motivated to protect the fruits of their labor.
I mention these things because, in any analysis like this, it helps to have context with which to frame the events.