Vigil Tonight to Support Family Targeted in Arson
Feb 06, 2015 10:28AM ● By Mb News Staff
Members of the Manhattan Beach community are responding to news that a local family's home was attacked this week.
There will be a candlelight vigil Friday night at the Metlox plaza at 6:00pm to show support for the family.
The home of the Clinton family, in the 700 block of 11th Street, was damaged by a late-night fire deliberately set on the front doorstep. A tire was reportedly doused with gasoline and set ablaze.
The family has said that they have no "enemies" in this community, where they have lived for 11 years, and no problems with anyone that might have motivated such a crime. They fear that they were singled out for the attack for being an African-American family. Police have not ruled out a hate-crime motive.
Update: At noon Friday, MBPD announced that "state and federal authorities are investigating [this] very serious crime," stating that "all possible motives, including this being a hate crime are being investigated. We have not ruled out any possibility."
Local families the Moellers and the Leones organized the vigil. Michelle Moeller, a friend of the Clinton family, launched the vigil to "stand in solidarity with the family and show the perpetrators that this kind of crime will not be tolerated in our community."
The Clinton family will attend the vigil.
Organizers are asking vigil attendees to bring their own candles, however, some will be provided on site by DigMB.
Additionally, neighbors have organized a fundraising campaign for a private investigation and a reward for information leading to an arrest.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation was urged to contact Fire Investigator Mike Murrey at (310) 345-0467. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
There will be a candlelight vigil Friday night at the Metlox plaza at 6:00pm to show support for the family.
The home of the Clinton family, in the 700 block of 11th Street, was damaged by a late-night fire deliberately set on the front doorstep. A tire was reportedly doused with gasoline and set ablaze.
The family has said that they have no "enemies" in this community, where they have lived for 11 years, and no problems with anyone that might have motivated such a crime. They fear that they were singled out for the attack for being an African-American family. Police have not ruled out a hate-crime motive.
Update: At noon Friday, MBPD announced that "state and federal authorities are investigating [this] very serious crime," stating that "all possible motives, including this being a hate crime are being investigated. We have not ruled out any possibility."
Local families the Moellers and the Leones organized the vigil. Michelle Moeller, a friend of the Clinton family, launched the vigil to "stand in solidarity with the family and show the perpetrators that this kind of crime will not be tolerated in our community."
The Clinton family will attend the vigil.
Organizers are asking vigil attendees to bring their own candles, however, some will be provided on site by DigMB.
Additionally, neighbors have organized a fundraising campaign for a private investigation and a reward for information leading to an arrest.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation was urged to contact Fire Investigator Mike Murrey at (310) 345-0467. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
