ST. LOUIS — The woman who was captured on video surveillance shouting racial slurs at a Hispanic family inside their south St. Louis home in early 2022 was sentenced to probation Thursday.
Judy Kline, 55, pleaded guilty to interfering with the housing rights of a St. Louis family, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Sayler Fleming. She was sentenced to five years of probation, the maximum probation term for the crime.
The press release said Kline is currently living in a nursing home, where she is receiving mental health treatment. As part of her probation, Kline must remain in the nursing home or a similar facility to continue treatment.
According to the press release, Kline broke into the home on Jan. 5, 2022, while armed with a hammer. While in the basement of the home, she struck the family's dryer with a hammer and then tried to run at a member of the family at the top of the stairs. The family member locked the door.
Kline then exited the home and walked to the front door. The incident came to the attention of local and federal prosecutors when a security video of Kline harassing a south St. Louis family went viral.
Kline can be heard shouting: "Illegals live in here,” at a Ring doorbell camera. “Get out! You're a bunch of illegals that don't belong on American property. Get out!"
In another video, she states, "You're not American. Get off my property! Did you have something to do with 9/11?"
Personal property records show that Kline used to live in that home.
During the plea hearing, Kline apologized and said she is getting help for her mental illness.
Kline was charged in St. Louis with burglary, harassment and other crimes. Those charges are still active, but in an approved continuation request, the judge said Kline was awaiting a federal plea that "should resolve this case."
