White Modesto Student With Noose Threatens Black Classmate In Snapchat Video

MODESTO (CBS SF) -- A white Central Valley student's threat on Snapchat toward an African American classmate is reportedly being investigated by police as a hate crime.

The Modesto Bee reported the 12-second Snapchat video shows the boy holding a noose around his neck as he looks into the camera and says, "You must die m-----f-----" as he and other unseen boys are heard laughing.

The boy then says his classmate's name and the video then cuts to a shot of someone firing a handgun.

The Central Catholic High School student received the video on March 25 at the start of Easter break, the Bee reported. His mother captured the video on her own cellphone and reported it to the school's dean when classes resumed

The family's attorney told the Bee the student in the video shared it with students who are friends of the black student, and they shared it with him.
Modesto police Lt. Ivan Valencia told the Bee detectives were investigating the case as a hate crime.

In an email to the Bee, CCHS President Jim Pecchenino said: "We have received what we believe is a copy of the video and are currently investigating the facts related to it. In addition, we are cooperating with law enforcement. Our students and families are our top priority and I can assure you we will take whatever steps we deem necessary to continue to insure their safety."