More on Fiesta Mall stabbing

They have identified the victims and the suspect in the Fiesta Mall stabbings. Turns out that the suspect has a history of mental illness and felt like the victims were "disrespecting" him.

This is truly a sad story and a tragic one for Issurah Jackson's family. No one should have to go through this sort of tragedy. People should be able to feel safe when they go to the mall, or when they step out on the street. These are two places that the suspect has violated, from his drive-by shooting 10 years ago to the stabbings this week.

I also fear that this will be bad news for Fiesta Mall. Its a tragic and isolated incident, but its the kind of thing that could have a lasting effect. Bad press like this is sure to scare some people away and I hope that they have some plans on how to change the image of the mall without going overboard. You can't put armed guards and metal detectors at each door, because that only reitterates the reasons people should be afraid.

It is my guess that this will be bad news for The Knife Shop as well. As long as I can remember, those guys have been in business at Fiesta Mall. Plus, anyone can buy knives in the home departments of any of the other department stores. However, reactions often defy logic and reason. It is my hope that there isn't a rash outcry against those guys. For pete's sake, they sell swords at that place and we haven't seen a dramatic rise in sword killings or ancient duels.

If you have concerns, go hear what they have to say at Rhodes Junior High tonight at 6:30.