Racist graffiti littered a wall in a quiet Chandler subdivision, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting many neighbors to ask, “why?”
The message was found in a greenbelt area of a Messina subdivision near the Loop 202 and Pecos Road.
“It upset me,” said Kathy Raab, who has lived in the area for 13 years. “I was surprised because I didn't really think that was going on around here. I've never seen that.”
The incident was reported over the weekend on April 9, The very next day, the red spray paint was covered over in grey paint, matching the wall. But the message still stings.
“I was shocked,” said Kyle Merrig, who lives directly behind the wall. “I thought we were past that at this point.”
Merrig hopes it was teenagers who need to learn a lesson
“It’s probably some kid doing something stupid, bored on the weekend,” said Merrig. “I hope it's nothing more than that.”
As the neighbors have communicated, there's word an African American family lives in the area.
“How horrible that is, if it's seen by them or police have to report it to them,” said Raab.
Chandler police discovered other walls in the community spray painted with curse words and pictures.
At this point they say they don't believe a neighbor is trying to target another neighbor.
“We know most of the people on the streets, so if that was the case that would be shocking,” said Merrig.
Police are not investigating the case as a hate crime. They took fingerprints in the area but have not matched it to any suspects.
