Woman Says
She Is Being Harassed By Witch
By SERGIO
CHAPA
sergioc@valleystar.com
SAN BENITO — A black candle, a cat’s paw, dead fish
and feces are what a 37-year-old woman believes is proof that she is being
harassed by a neighbor who claims to be a bruja, or witch.
Last week, the woman filed a police report that said her 26-year-old
boyfriend’s mother has been leaving items used in black magic in her front
yard and inside a rental home she owns next door.
Although no exact statistics are available, police said that over the years
there have been a number of reports in the Resaca City of alleged brujas
leaving items such as dolls, blood or white powders at the homes of area
residents.
Even though she does not believe in witchcraft, the
complainant said some of her superstitious neighbors are scared to go to her
house because they have seen owls there.
In Mexican folklore, owls are often associated with witches and witchcraft.
The woman said she has not been intimidated by her neighbor’s actions and
continues with her normal daily routine.
Lt. Ezequiel Torres said although no arrests have ever been made for such
actions, the parties responsible could be charged with harassment or
trespassing if they are caught in the act.
Both offenses are Class B misdemeanors, punishable by as much as six months
in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
"If (victims or witnesses) are able to identify somebody there at the time,
they could file charges," he said.
Other Valley law enforcement officials said criminal charges for using
witchcraft to harass or intimidate do not depend as much on the means as
they do on intent.
"If the actions violate the law, we are obligated to file a case," Harlingen
Police Department Public Information Officer Johnny Ramirez said.
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