East St. Louis is proud to call late jazz great Miles Davis one of its own, but vandalism to his childhood home is striking a sour note with many in the struggling city.
KSDK-TV reports vandalism that has escalated in recent weeks has included nearly all of the aluminum siding being stripped away from the home. Windows also are broken and pipes have been taken.
Neighbor Mamie Page says the damage and disrespect "just disgusted me" and leaves her saddened.
Other residents are clamoring to preserve the vacant home that still belongs to Davis' family.
Alvin Parks says the home should be dignified as a historic remembrance of Davis, who was born in Alton and died in 1991.