Mother calls vandalism a hate crime - WCAX

ESSEX, Vt. (WCAX) A car spray painted by vandals in Essex has one of the victims' moms speaking out.

"I want people to realize, this is a hate crime," said the Essex mom, who asked that we not use her name.

She says her teenage son and his boyfriend were targeted for being gay. "There's no reason anyone else's sexual preference should bother somebody who doesn't even know them or isn't affected by it," she said.

The vandalism, which included multiple homophobic slurs and images spray painted on the vehicle, happened Saturday night.

Essex Police were not available for an interview Sunday, but did confirm there is an ongoing investigation. They also said two juveniles have been cited in connection with the case.

"This isn't something you normally see in Essex. It's really very discouraging what's going on. You see a trend more in Burlington then you do anywhere but I don't think enough people are bringing attention to the issues," the mother said.

The car wasn't the only thing that was vandalized Saturday night. Olivia Berard said her husband caught the vandals in the act, rummaging through a neighbors car before taking off. That car was damaged with similar graffiti.

"I've lived in Vermont, this area my whole life. Who would do that?" Berard said. However, she does not feel she was targeted personally. "I feel really really bad for the other person because this was clearly just collateral damage."

"It's not acceptable," said the mother of the gay teen. "I don't care who you are, it's just not acceptable. To treat people that way, for people to live in fear in their own community about who they are is just not right."

A mother speaking out about vandalism that has her outraged.

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