Teenager who burned cross didn't realize impact

By Christopher Schwarzen
Times Snohomish County bureau

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The 16-year-old boy, released Thursday night after serving nearly 30 days at the Denney Youth Center in Everett, said he and his cousin came up with the idea in minutes to burn the cross March 24. A public discussion on race relations in Arlington and other parts of Snohomish County has continued since.

"I didn't think it would draw that much attention," said the teen, whom The Seattle Times is not identifying because he was charged as a juvenile. "But the following day, we were watching television and it was on every channel, including a Spanish station."

The boy and his 16-year-old cousin, both dropouts from Arlington High School, taped pieces of broken pallets together in the shape of a cross, doused it in gasoline and lit it on fire in front of Pastor Jason Martin's house. Martin was home with members of his family, who awoke to see the flames. The teens turned themselves in to police three days later.

The Martins have since said they forgive the boys for their actions but doubt the two intended anything less than what a burning cross has come to mean in America.

"I think evidently he did want to draw attention," said Charmaine Martin. "They knew what they were doing."

Martin, 39, said she and her husband are disappointed that the two teens received light sentences. The two were given the maximum detention time allowed under state law, but were ordered to perform 72 hours of community service, less than the maximum allowed.

Since the fire, Arlington officials have held rallies and sponsored open discussions on racism.

Martin's congregation, Jesus Is Lord Life Tabernacle in Marysville, also has supported the family. After the incident, Martin was visited by several officials, including Gov. Gary Locke.

The 16-year-old said yesterday he is sorry for his actions and has tried to convey that to the Arlington community. He said several people have glared at him, and he says friends have told him of threats against him.

"Everybody from Arlington to Stanwood knows who did it," the teen said. "At some point, someone is going to get the nerve up and do something against one of us."
 
The boy's cousin also was released from custody but couldn't be reached for comment.

The teen said he wants to put the event behind him but knows it will follow him for some time.

Charmaine Martin said it also will be a long time before the memory of what happened dims. Because the cross-burning occurred on her youngest daughter's seventh birthday, she said, "Every time it's my daughter's birthday, I will have to remember this."

Christopher Schwarzen: 425-783-0577 or cschwarzen@seattletimes.com

Seattle Times Staff reporter Jennifer Sullivan contributed to this report.

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