Residents speak out on the effects of violence in Merced

In 2014, Merced County had the most homicides on record for the city, at 31. Media coverage tends to focus on law enforcement, gang activity and how crime affects property values. After this year's ninth homicide, youth reporters asked Merced's community members a different question: How has the violence affected your life? "I see violence controlling the community. It’s what controls peoples’ lives. People don’t let their children walk to school; they don’t hang out because of this fear of violence. If Merced was less violent it would be a beautiful place to live in." More thoughts from residents on We'Ced.