Juveniles, not a gang or satanic cult, responsible for Diamondhead crime spree, cops say
It was rumored that street gangs or members of a satanic cult were behind a rash of recent crimes and a house fire in Diamondhead, but Hancock County sheriff’s officials say the real culprits are two underage juveniles.
Hancock Chief Deputy Jeremy Skinner said two juveniles were arrested Friday in connection with the house fire at 62714 Diamondhead Drive North.
The fire was set Wednesday, Skinner said in a news release.
Through Hancock County Youth Court, the juveniles are accused of felony malicious mischief for setting the fire and one count each of burglary for stealing items from the house that was set on fire, Skinner said.
The juveniles also face charges of petite larceny for the theft items from the Diamondhead Inn hotel and the Diamondhead Community Center, Skinner said.
Skinner said the duo also faces multiple charges of misdemeanor malicious mischief for graffiti and other vandalism throughout the city.
Skinner said there has been speculation of gangs and satanic activity because of the crime.
“Those rumors have circulated through multiple social media sources and our Criminal Investigations Division was not able to substantiate this information,” Skinner said in the release. “I do think it is very important that when these incidents happen, we look to official sources of information, such as the Sheriff’s Office, to avoid public hysteria over miscommunicated facts.”
The identities of the juveniles will not be released because they are minors, Skinner said.
This story was originally published January 17, 2020 at 2:18 PM.
