He said the tree will likely die, since it is missing 4 to 5 feet of bark all the way around the trunk.

Wells said two other juveniles were involved in defacing the tree and carved their initials, but Houser said no others were charged in the incident.

Wells feels there was a lack of responsibility from the Police Department and school district for not conducting a more thorough investigation or suggesting additional estimates.

Blanchard Tree Services quoted her $475, which would not amount to felony charges.

“My heart is hurting for my son,” Wells said, noting she’s worried a felony conviction could follow him the rest of his life, even if it drops off his juvenile record once he turns 18. “I don’t believe it had to go to this extreme.”

She said Niles has not been disciplined by the district, but Barkema received a letter informing him he was suspended from all extracurricular activities for 28 days.