St. Paul neighbors respond to recent violence, some say they no longer feel safe

St. Paul is marking its fifth homicide in a month and some neighbors said they no longer feel safe in the city.

A woman was found beaten to death in the city’s north end neighborhood early in the morning on Jan. 23.

A man is in custody and charges have not yet been filed.

Police found another woman shot to death in the same neighborhood early in the morning on Jan. 22 and a man has been arrested in connection to that killing.

"It’s really bizarre because you don’t really see those types of things happening like that and it’s kind of scary when you just hear about it," Matthew Nguyen, St. Paul resident, said.

Nguyen has called St. Paul home since before he could walk.

He said the area is nice, quiet and peaceful, but hearing of homicides steps away from his home is traumatizing.

The Rileys go to church in the north end neighborhood and they said staying vigilant helps them stay safe.

"Whatever you’re doing your head is on a swivel… it’s sad," Steve Riley said.

Steve believes the reason for the increase in violence is a lack of consequences.

"I think our justice system should penalize these people more. I think they’re letting them off and then they can do whatever they want," Steve said.

They explained it seems crime is spreading to every corner of the city.

"It’s just every month that goes by things just get slowly worse and worse in our communities and on a lot of different levels," Jackie Riley said.

Jared Star, a St. Paul resident, moved to the neighborhood two weeks ago. There was a homicide right across the street from his house.

"I’m going to be a little more cautious now when I leave the house or when I go walk down the street," Star said.

Neighbors said they’re keeping their guard up until the violence settles down.

"Our little neighborhood used to be nice and safe and everybody knew everybody and that’s not the case anymore," Jackie said.