>Kentwood neighbors call house fire, graffiti "disturbing"; FBI and ATF team with police to probe link

KENTWOOD -- Local police and federal authorities are investigating graffiti spray painted on a burned house that reads "Die Obama," as well as similar words on two neighboring houses.

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The home at 4763 Summer Creek Lane was heavily damaged in a 2 a.m. blaze that fire investigators believe started in the basement.

Further investigation this morning revealed the graffiti on the homes. The owners of all three homes are African American.

Shequillia Hall, who lives next door to the burned home, found the graffiti on her home.

"It's very disturbing," said Hall, who moved to the neighborhood about 18 months ago. "We think it's all part of the fire, but we're not sure."

Fire investigators have not yet labeled the blaze suspicious, but Hall said she was interviewed today by authorities with the FBI and ATF.

James and Gloria Cutts live at the fire-damaged home. They were not home when the fire started because their home was being renovated from smoke damage caused by an earlier oven fire, which was not suspicious.

Hall said three of her Obama election signs were stolen last year from her yard, but there have been no other incidents.

E-mail the author of this story: localnews@grpress.com