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Two 19-Year-Olds Arraigned in Sterling Heights Antisemitic Vandalism

Felony counts with high bonds signal a hard line on bias graffiti.

Overview

  • Two out-of-state 19-year-olds were arraigned on felony malicious destruction of property and conspiracy charges, with bonds set at $75,000 and $100,000, and prosecutors said more counts could follow.
  • Authorities named the suspects as Michael Walker of Nampa and Benjamin Parris of Greenville, South Carolina.
  • Police say the pair, arrested after Sunday’s overnight graffiti spree near Shetland Court, were found with spray paint, a knife and marijuana.
  • Graffiti documented across roughly a one-mile area included nine swastikas, the number 88, the words HEIL and National Socialism is the way, and tags under the M‑53 bridge and on nearby business property.
  • A probable cause conference is set for May 4 as investigators continue to probe motive, check links to other tagged sites and note that crews have already cleaned the targeted fence.