Two teens identified after racist, homophobic graffiti hits 16 Hendersonville homes

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Several residents along Sterling Road woke up to racial and homophobic slurs and vulgar images spray painted in bold red letters across their cars, garages, mailboxes and street signs.

Hendersonville Police began investigating reports of the vandalism Monday morning. They believe it happened sometime overnight. Police say they have identified two teens believed to be responsible for the damage.

“I never thought I would be involved in a hate crime,” said Victor Alexander.

Alexander said his granddaughter had to see the hateful messages painted on several homes as she was being dropped off at his house Monday morning.

“I’ve been here over 40 years and never had a situation. Never had a mailbox knocked down, none of that,” Alexander said. “I just don’t understand.”

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Pamela Rowlette said spray paint damaged both of her neighbors’ cars. She has automatic lights outside her home, which she thinks scared the teens out of her driveway. She said a neighbor’s Ring camera caught the teens walking through their yards early Monday morning.

“What were they doing out at 3:00 in the morning? That’s what I don’t understand and on a school night,” Rowlette said.

Dora Burneisen found several derogatory messages spray painted on her garage, which she has since covered with tarp.

But neighbors say out of the hate came a lot of love, as several came together to wash away most of the graffiti. And several neighbors said they plan to add surveillance cameras outside their homes.

Burneisen works at Hawkins Middle School. She says the two teen suspects were bragging about damaging property at school, which helped police identify the minors believed to be responsible. Hendersonville Police said criminal charges are being filed through the Sumner County Juvenile Court.

“I hope they get an education and if nothing else, I hope their parents get an education,” Alexander said. “Because in today’s time, the world is getting worse, but people need to get better.”