Teens Face Hearing in Vandalism Case

Two 18-year-old Ventura men who allegedly admitted scratching more than 120 downtown windows in a vandalism spree earlier this month are scheduled to be arraigned today on felony charges of malicious mischief and conspiracy, authorities said.

Richard Varela and Shea Murdock are being held on $10,000 bail each in the Nov. 11 vandalism spree in which 127 windows were scratched, authorities said.

The men were arrested Monday night after police found graffiti samples at their homes matching those scratched into the windows, Ventura Police Lt. Gary McCaskill said. They are to be arraigned today at 1:30 p.m. at the Ventura County Courthouse.

Authorities said 37 businesses were victimized. They estimate the total damage at $35,000.

McCaskill said police tracked down the suspects through witnesses who identified their tagging symbols.

McCaskill said both men, who were arrested at Murdock’s home off Ventura Avenue, have admitted to the vandalism. The vandalism is probably not gang-related, McCaskill said.

The windows were scratched with sharp instruments or rocks.

Merchants who were hit by the vandalism were relieved by the news.

Pat Liampetchakul, owner of Tipps Thai Cuisine, 512 E. Main St., said workers replaced her windows Monday and sign painters will redraw the restaurant’s name on the glass in the next few days.

“We’ve already paid for the windows themselves; they cost $280,” Liampetchakul said. “I don’t know how much the signs are going to cost. At least another $500.”