The stabbing, Wynder said, “sort of highlighted everything people are worried about in the area.”

“People are walking around with their children,” he continued. “It just gets a little edgy, sometimes.”

The stabbing comes as downtown leaders prepare to reopen Lucas Park to the public on Saturday.

The park, across the street from the library, had long been frequented by homeless people. In 2012, residents and city leaders banded together to fence it off, rebuild the children’s playground, install fitness equipment, upgrade irrigation, remove benches and replant grass, shrubs and flowers. The same year, Central Library reopened after a $70 million renovation.

CONCERN AND PRAYERS

The victim was stabbed about 10:35 a.m. on a sidewalk near 13th and Olive streets, next to the Central Branch library. Paramedics rushed him to a hospital, where he died. His name had not been released by police. Both the victim and the suspect are in their 40s.

Police Lt. John Green, commander of homicide for the St. Louis Police Department, said the men had argued over a woman. She was standing on the sidewalk as well but was uninjured.