Geraldine student admits vandalism

GERALDINE (AP) — A Geraldine High School student has admitted drawing a noose and writing a racist remark on the car of a mixed race student at the school parking lot, authorities said.

DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said the suspect turned himself in to Principal Larry Lingerfelt on Monday and was interviewed by school officials and sheriff’s officers.

He said the case would be turned over to juvenile authorities to handle and declined to release a possible motive. The name of the student was not released.

“Both the parents have gotten together on this situation, and feel like the situation has been blown out of proportion,” Harris said. “So, at this time, we don’t know what will happen but have decided to let juvenile authorities handle it.”

Because it was a possible hate crime, the FBI has also been involved in the investigation.

The vandalism occurred the night of Oct. 19, possibly during the Sylvania-Geraldine football game or the dance afterward. Harris said the noose was drawn on the car along with the words “your head ought to be in it.”

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