Mural of assassin Oswald on Dallas building draws scrutiny

DALLAS, TX -- A nearly two-story mural of assassin Lee Harvey Oswald recently painted on a Dallas building is drawing criticism for being insensitive.

The mural outside a barbershop features Oswald's black-and-white portrait. He lived in the neighborhood and the owner of the barbershop, Christian Avanti, says the mural is meant only to reflect the neighborhood's history and isn't an homage. Avanti says it wasn't meant to upset people.

The area is part of an arts district featuring a variety of murals. The Bishop Arts District Merchants Association says what property owners choose to paint on their buildings is up to them.

Neighbor Jeanie DeLeon tells KXAS-TV that the mural hurts efforts to promote the district.

Oswald shot President John F. Kennedy in 1963 as the president traveled through Dallas in a motorcade.