When the members of a community are haunted by violent crimes, many questions start to surface.

All too often, these questions center on the perpetrator. Why did this crime happen? Why did this person grow up to be a criminal? What drove him or her to this behavior?

While these are all valid questions, perhaps the community should focus some of their questions inward. What makes this community a target for crime? How is this community different than it was in the past?

The senseless and brutal murder of Taylor Adams certainly raised many questions. But it did have at least one important lesson to teach.

The suspect in the crime was identified and apprehended in a matter of days. This was largely because of tips and phone calls from members of the community. When a community bands together with a singular purpose, great things can be accomplished.

In many cases, neighborhoods are no longer neighborhoods but rather a congregation of strangers. This is the kind of mindset that allows crime to take hold.

A lack of interest and awareness emboldens criminals, but if neighbors continue to stand together in a united front, undesirable elements will have nowhere left to hide.