On Wednesday, January 27th, 2021, Judy Kline, 54, was charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree property damage, and unlawful use of a weapon for harassing a St. Louis family in connection with a break-in at the same family’s home more than a year ago.
According to the probable cause statement filed by police, Kline allegedly knocked on the front door wielding a hammer on January 5th, 2022. Kline then went to the back of the home, allegedly using the hammer to break through a basement door window, and then proceeded to smash a dryer.
The family, of Mexican descent, does not know Kline and said they were scared. Fatima Suarez, the homeowner, posted a video from the family’s Ring doorbell camera to social media, showing Kline yelling, going through their mail, and making racist remarks.
Suarez said, “I’ve seen similar stories on TikTok going on, and I thought maybe that would help my family out as well. But I never knew it would blow up like that, and it did. So, I’m thankful for everybody that made it viral because now [there’s] going to be hopefully action taken.”
Kline was arrested for the initial break-in but later released. Despite the order of protection being served to Kline by the homeowner, Kline reportedly continued to visit the home over the next 12 months and allegedly repeatedly harassed the family. Kline is set to appear in court on February 15th.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Kline with first-degree burglary, first-degree property damage, and unlawful use of a weapon. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spokesman, Kline is not yet in police custody.
The family is now asking for justice and hoping Kline will be held accountable for her actions. Suarez said, “It scared my family. It scared me. I’ve cried. It was really stressful to see her keep coming back.”
