Graffiti Vandalism Case Results in a Mistrial

The case of the alleged graffiti vandal who was himself tagged ended in a mistrial Thursday when a Van Nuys Municipal Court jury was unable to reach a verdict.

Jurors split 7 to 4 in favor of a verdict of not guilty, with one juror undecided, in the trial of Walter Castro, a 19-year-old Los Angeles man who police said was putting his initials on light poles on Santa Monica Boulevard in eastern Hollywood on July 15 when two rivals accosted him. They used Castro’s own spray can to paint graffiti on his head and shirt, the officer said, then fled.

In discussions with jurors after the trial, Deputy City Atty. Janet Ramos, the prosecutor, conceded that her case was weak. The police officer witness could not say whether paint on the light pole that Castro was accused of defacing was wet or dry when he arrived.

Ramos decided not to seek another trial, and charges against Castro were dropped.