'Dark complexion' dolls found hanging at Saratoga schools prompt hate crime investigation
SARATOGA – Authorities have launched a hate crime investigation after dolls described to have a "dark complexion" were found hanging at three schools in Saratoga.
According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, the dolls were found at Prospect High School, Saratoga High School and Redwood Middle School earlier this week.
The sheriff's office described the incidents as "heinous acts" and that they are taking these cases seriously.
"Hate has no place in Santa Clara County," Acting Sheriff Ken Binder said Wednesday. "The Sheriff's Office will thoroughly investigate these incidents and request prosecution of the offenders to the fullest extent of the law."
In an email to Saratoga High School students obtained by KPIX 5, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District superintendent Bill Sanderson said the doll was found over the weekend.
"On Sunday morning students practicing music on campus discovered an African-American doll hanging from a tree by a noose in the main quad," the superintendent said.
A school source provided KPIX 5 with pictures of potential suspects that were taken around 9:15 p.m. Friday.
Meanwhile, the Saratoga Union School District gave additional information about the incident that took place at Redwood Middle School. Superintendent Ken Geisick said that a staff member discovered a doll in a noose hanging from a tree on the campus quad on Tuesday.
District officials believe that the incident took place over the weekend and the doll was not immediately noticed by students or staff due to its location.
"We cannot state strongly enough that a noose is a reprehensible symbol of hate and violence and will not be tolerated in our district. As a community, we must stand united against such conduct and those who perpetrate it," Geisick said.
Anyone who may have information about the potential suspects is asked to reach Detective Sgt. Ramon Marquez by calling 408-808-4559 or emailing Ramon.marquez@shf.sccgov.org. Tips can also be given anonymously by calling 408-808-4431.