PORT HURON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) - An African American couple in Port Huron Township is fearing for their life after finding golf balls covered in racial slurs in their yard.
In September, Michael and Michelle Brown discovered a golf ball covered in racial slurs in their yard and filed a report with police. On October 11, another golf ball was found next to their house, as well as in the yard of an African American couple living across the street.
The Browns, who recently moved into their home, have accused neighbors Robert and Nichole Dheel, of knowing something about the golf balls. According to the Browns, the Dheel's backyard is the only place the balls could have been thrown from.
Nichole Dheel said, "I feel bad for them, for the fact that they have to go through this. The fact that they're pointing their fingers at us. I understand where they're coming from, but we didn't do this and I really hope they catch who did it."
Police say the investigation of "ethnic intimidation" is now over because there is no evidence linking the Dheels to the golf balls.
St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon told Action News that hate crimes are a serious matter, which don't happen often in their area.
