The Anaheim City Council has unanimously approved a plan to install cameras in three different parks across the city in response to the 2014 murder of 9-year-old Ximena Meza.
The plan calls for the installation of security cameras and audio systems in Brookhurst, Maxwell and Twila Reid parks.
Meza was caught in the crossfire while playing in front of Brookhurst Park on Oct. 22, 2014. Two men were arrested in the killing and face murder and other charges in the case, according Orange County Superior Court records online.
"It's a devastating crime and you don't want to see that happen to anybody," said Sgt. Daron Wyatt, an Anaheim Police Department spokesman. "It was just absolutely horrific. It was senseless. It never should have happened."
The cameras are due to be installed in 2017. Officials estimate the costs at $460,000, Wyatt said.
"That's good for the community," said Anaheim resident Alejandro Jimenez. "It's more secure and will keep people safe and keep the bad people away from the park."
Residents at a City Council meeting this week expressed concerns about privacy during public comment on the camera issue.
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"It's a balancing act and we're going to try to do this while respecting civil liberties, and if that doesn't work, we'll re-look at it in a year," Tait said.
