Cape police investigate property damage as possible hate crime

Cape Girardeau police still had no suspects Tuesday in what they said is a hate crime that took place on North Middle Street late Monday night.

The victims, according to Cape Girardeau Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jason Selzer, believe they were targeted because of their sexual orientation.

The gay couple arrived home just after 10 p.m. Monday to find an anti-gay slur painted on their front door and on the brick wall on the outside of their apartment. A window frame and one of their vehicles was also damaged.

The victims said the incident had to have happened between 8:30 and 10 p.m. but were not able to give police any suspect information.

Robert Kessinger, landlord at Center View Apartments, told police they'd clean up the graffiti as soon as possible, Selzer said.

Kessinger and his tenants couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

1037 N. Middle St., Cape Girardeau, MO