Google is removing the image of a murdered teenager from Google Maps, following a request from the victim's family.
The aerial photograph shows the lifeless body of a young man lying on the ground, and several people, likely police officers or witnesses, gathered around it.
The 14-year-old was shot in 2009 near the railroad tracks in Richmond, California, while the causes of his murder remain unknown.
The satellite image was observed by the boy's father, who requested that it be removed from service as a sign of respect for his murdered son.
Google Maps vice president Brian McClendon said they have begun the necessary procedures to remove the image.
“Our hearts go out to the young boy’s family. From the moment the media first contacted us about this issue, we began looking for technical solutions. Google has never expedited the process of replacing satellite images with new ones, but given the circumstances, we wanted to make an exception. We believe we can replace the photo within eight days. We have reached out to the family to let them know that we are working hard to replace it.”
