MESA, Ariz. — Mesa police are investigating a possible hate crime after a family found racial slurs graffitied along the back wall of their fence.
Morris Whitner and his wife have lived near Guadalupe and Power Roads for nearly five years.
"We really love it here," Whitner said.
Whitner said they've had no problems, until Sunday when they saw slurs, including the n-word, graffitied on the back of their fence facing Guadalupe Road.
Whitner told 12News he feels angry and unsettled.
"Unfortunately, racism still exists," Whitner. "I was really disappointed about that."
Mesa police said they have no suspects, and there are no surveillance cameras in the area.
Officials are investigating whether the graffiti was directed at Whitner's family or not.
Although it's not technically on his property, Whitner told 12News he believes the act was targeted.
“It’s not like in the middle in front of somebody else’s. It’s strictly on our wall," Whitner said.
Going forward, Whitner said he will be paying closer attention to activity around his home.
“I’m probably going to be more cognizant of people that are, that are in the area, that are driving by," Whitner said.
He said hateful words won't drive him out of the neighborhood.
“We’re here. We’re not going anywhere. This is our home," Whitner said. “All I ask is just leave us alone.”
Whitner said he plans on contacting his homeowner's association when it opens Monday morning so the fence can be repainted as soon as possible.
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