African-American Family Finds Burning Cross on Their Lawn

CORTLANDT, N.Y. (AP) -- A burning cross was found on the lawn of an African-American family in Cortlandt, hours after their son got in a fight with a girl at Hendrick Hudson High School.

Clara and Wesley Artope said the 5-foot tall burning cross was noticed shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Clara Montague-Artope said she was surprised this would happen in Cortlandt, telling the Journal News "it doesn't matter how many degrees you have, in the end (your skin color) is all they see.''

State Police declined to release any details of the incident. Montague-Artope said she believes the incident stemmed from a confrontation her son Timothy, 15, had at school. He got in an argument and shoving match with a caucasian girl over a seat in class.

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