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‘THIS IS A WHITE NEIGHBORHOOD:’ Indiana Woman Accused Of Leaving Racist Note For New Neighbor
Deborah Cantwell is accused of writing the hateful note to her new neighbors, a family with a black son, before they had even fully moved into their house.
A woman in central Indiana has been accused of leaving a note full of racist slurs at her neighbor's home, allegedly warning the family that, “THIS IS A WHITE NEIGHBORHOOD.”
Police said Deborah Cantwell, 63, drafted the diatribe and posted it on the front door of her new neighbor’s house near Greentown in mid-October, according to the Kokomo Tribune. The family includes a son who is black, though it remains unclear whether any other members of the household are also African American.
“No N---- wanted in this neighborhood-THIS IS A WHITE NEIGHBORHOOD-some people find N-----Stressful,” Cantwell allegedly wrote, according to a police affidavit cited by the paper.
The hateful note went on to say that, “YOUR N---- KID IS NOT WELCOME,” and ended by declaring, “YOU CAN SELL YOUR HOUSE AND MAKE MONEY ON IT RIGHT NOW…BY THE WAY HOPE YOU HAVE DEEP POCKETS.”
In addition to the letter, the new residents, who were at the house just hours before on Oct. 13 and hadn’t even fully moved in at that point, found their house had been toilet-papered. One of them phoned police afterward.
Though authorities originally suspected teenagers were responsible for the note, Cantwell was arrested last week on misdemeanor intimidation and criminal mischief charges and has since been released on bond.
Police said Cantwell acknowledged writing the letter and also toilet-papering the family's yard, telling investigators she "was trying to vent."
The affidavit also included text messages thought to be sent by Cantwell to another person.
“I am stressing now that we are going to get black neighbors,” Cantwell allegedly texted. “I am hoping that more people look at the house and an all-white family are the ultimate buyers. I am afraid the stress of black neighbors could put me in the hospital. … My blood pressure is elevated just thinking about the possibility.”
Court records show Cantwell faces a Nov. 19 initial hearing, but don't list an attorney who could speak on her behalf.
She is not allowed to contact the family she allegedly wrote the letter to.
The victims of the racist rant set up an online fundraiser to raise money for any future legal fees they might require while pursuing legal action against Cantwell.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
[Photo Credit: Howard County Sheriff's Office]
