Trial for Teen Allegedly Linked to Hateful Messages in Portsmouth Hits Geographic Snag

The case against a teen allegedly linked to a series of hateful messages spray-painted throughout Portsmouth earlier this year will have to wait.

Local prosecutors announced this week that the suspect, 18-year-old Loren Faulker, left the state in April to accept a missionary job in Africa, where he reportedly will spend the next two years.

Faulkner was 17 when he allegedly spray-painted multiple offensive messages in downtown Portsmouth.

Officials say the messages targeted racial, religious and LGBTQ-plus groups. Authorities say the case remains open.