FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
from University City Police Department
University City, MO, March 11, 2024 – The University City Police Department, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, has been diligently investigating a series of vandalism incidents characterized by hate connotations over the past several months.
Throughout the investigation, a suspect was identified as the primary perpetrator. On March 9, 2024, the individual was apprehended without incident. Following the arrest, the case was formally presented to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on March 10, 2024. Subsequently, warrants were issued for Frankie Rizzello Jr., a 20-year-old resident of Chesterfield, MO, charging him with two counts of Damage to Private Property Motivated by Ethnicity or Religion.
A judge has set the bond for Mr. Rizzello at $250,000.00, cash only, with no option for a 10% payment.
The University City Police Department, along with our federal and county partners, remains committed to maintaining the safety and dignity of our community. Hate-motivated crimes have no place in our society, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that individuals who perpetrate such acts are held accountable under the law.
We want to thank the community members who have cooperated with this investigation and encourage anyone with further information to come forward. Together, we can maintain the peace and respect that define University City.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the University City Police Department at 314-725-2211, Ext. 8010 or Crime Stoppers at 866-371-TIPS.