Home Still Unlivable After Vandals Cause $100,000 in Damage

By: Chad Silber - Email

Updated: Fri 6:36 PM, Aug 17, 2012

More than a month ago, a Lincoln family was forced from its home after vandals caused $100,000 in damage.

We first told you about this story on July 4th after a relative found spray-paint and chemicals on nearly everything in the home.

The family was on vacation at the time. Now, several weeks later, they're still trying to recover.

They've been forced to live in a hotel until the mess is cleaned up.

"Everything has been painted, carpet's been torn out, pretty much gutted," said Terry Root.

It's hard to believe his home has gone through so much in the past two months.

He takes me on a tour of his home. "This whole room was spray-painted. On this shelf, it was just at random. Paint was just at random all over it."

Since that memorable Independence Day, crews have been working to reverse what criminals did to his home.

"I don't know who would be so upset with anybody in my family," said Root. "We're still just blown away why it happened."

Meantime, Terry and his family are forced to live in a hotel. But this isn't the first time his home has been vandalized this year. "About 2 months prior, the night before prom, the outside of the home was vandalized with spray paint."

LPD Officer Erin Spilker says, "The vandalism ended up being a total of $3,500 damage at that time to the house, the exterior of the house and to the exterior and interior of his vehicle."

Lincoln Police are taking this case very seriously. In fact, they're even going to local high schools around the city to see if anybody knows anything.

"Our school resource officers are putting posters up in the hallways trying to draw attention to this case in the hopes that one of the students will see the poster or something will ring a bell and they'll be able to bring some information so we can follow up on it," said Spilker.

Police believe teenagers are responsible for both crimes, and are nearly certain they're related.

"This is a really significant vandalism because both are so over the top, overdone, you would assume it's the same people," said Spilker.

"I want to see them get prosecuted to the fullest extent and if they're over 18, hopefully do some prison time," said Root.

It's a simple request from a family still struggling to get life back to normal.

If you know anything about this case, you're urged to call Crimestoppers at 475-3600. Police emphasize that you can remain anonymous.

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