At 11:15 Thursday night, Milton Police Department was dispatched to Applegate Road in reference to a cross burning in a resident’s front yard. Milton Fire Department was on scene awaiting word to extinguish the fire when officers arrived. Reports said there was no threat to any structure or other property when it was lit in criminal mischief.
According to reports, the owner of the home, Paula Verna King told Milton Police Department she was surprised to see the cross but not concerned. She told officers it was probably her brother or one of her friends. Reports said she also told officers, “It could not have been a white person because a white person setting up a cross and lighting it on fire in that area would have drawn a lot of attention.”
When another witness, David Shepherd Johnson was questioned, he told officers he did not know what was going on until a police officer came to his door and told him. Another witness, DeJohn Anthony Trotter, King’s brother was questioned. Reports said he immediately became defensive when he was told about the cross and denied any involvement with the incident. Reports said Trotter told officers he was with friends drinking during the time the cross was lit and had received text messages from King telling him to stay away from her home and he was doing what he was told. Reports said Trotter and King had an ongoing dispute between them regarding fishing poles. Trotter told officers he “had white friends and black friends but no one would do that for him.” Officers report he continued to say he would not stand for it “plus most of them like her better.” Milton Police Department Captain David Cox said to his knowledge it’s been about 40 years since a cross burning was reported in the City of Milton. Any further information regarding the burning cross should be directed to the Milton Police Department at 983-5420. Milton Chief of Police Greg Brand said the incident is still under investigation.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Cross burning in Milton