Rappers, Officials Condemn Fires
Local rap artists joined civic leaders Thursday to condemn the series of arson fires at city schools, including the most recent one at Centennial High School.
Officials announced the addition of $18,000 to the reward fund set up for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist, bringing the total reward to $39,000.
County supervisors committed $15,000 to the fund and rapper Sugar Free and his record label, Fired Up Records, donated $3,000.
“My mother went to the school here,” said Sugar Free, standing with Compton Mayor Omar Bradley and others in front of Centennial. “I put myself in these kids’ shoes and they got a right to their education. I don’t think it’s cool for someone to tear up the school.”
Compton schools have suffered nine blazes since March that caused at least $1.7 million in damage, officials said. The most recent fire broke out the night of Aug. 6 at Centennial, the site of four fires.
Compton Fire Battalion Chief James Murphy would not release any information on the arson investigation, but said the ongoing increase in the reward amount has prompted a steady stream of tips.
School district police have beefed up patrols and hired additional private security officers, said district spokesman Fausto D. Capobianco.
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