Reward Offered in Agoura High Racist Graffiti Case as Parents, Students React

The Las Virgenes Unified School District is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for two racist graffiti incidents earlier this week at Agoura High School.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to review forensic evidence as well as video footage from surveillance cameras in an attempt to identify a suspect or suspects who may have committed the vandalism discovered Sunday and Wednesday.

Agoura High School Principal Larry Misel told Agoura Hills Patch that some pieces of the evidence puzzle may be falling into place.

"I can't go into much detail, but I can tell you that the clues are leading in that direction," he said. "... Once the information comes out, I think people will realize why we did what we did, and how we did it."

Many parents, particularly those of the five students whose name were included with racist writing discovered Wednesday on the wall of a boys restroom, have spoken out angrily to the media about not being informed sooner.

Parents were not notified after the Sunday incident, Misel said, because it didn't target anyone specifically. School officials weren't sure if that spray-painted graffiti on an outdoor wall was just the "act of some crazies," so they worked with the sheriff's department to try to figure out how to best handle the situation, Misel said.

"When Wednesday's incident occurred, some additional clues started coming in, and we knew we had to alert the families," Misel said. "But, yes, there was a longer delay than there would normally be."

Misel said the targeted students' families weren't contacted because they had already arrived on campus.

"They were already here when we were calling in resources," he said. "But we did talk directly with the kids that were targeted and their parents."

An email blast was sent out to the students' families Wednesday afternoon, informing them of the situation.

"We are committed and dedicated to ensuring a safe, nurturing learning environment for all students and staff," the email said.

Several parents were still expressing concern over the situation, even though Misel and law enforcement officials said there was no direct danger to students.

Parent Jeffrey Jones, who was at Agoura High on Thursday to get an update on the incidents, said he kept his daughter home from school.

"We're too afraid to come out," Jones said. "I don't want to be one of those parents that regretted sending my daughter to school when something goes wrong."

One of the boys whose name was written on the restroom wall, was back on campus.

"At first I was angry that my name was used," said the boy, who is 16 years old. "But I feel a little better now that I've talked with the police and Mr. Misel."

Parent Jill Lynch said she also felt reassured.

"I'm very comfortable with the way things are going right now," she said. "I spoke with Mr. Misel this morning and I'm quite comfortable with the safety of my child right now."

Anyone with information on the crime is being asked to call 818-878-1808.