Graphic Halloween Display Returns Outside Yakima Home
Graphic Halloween display returns outside home in Yakima
Graphic Halloween-themed decorations are back on display outside a Yakima home. And the array of dismembered dolls painted red and hanging from a tree is offending some people.
Samantha Thorne drops her brother off at her mom's house, and as a mother herself, she's horrified to see Halloween decorations across the street featuring dolls painted red, some with their heads missing, hanging from what's being called the "Naughty Tree."
"I have two children and I love them very much and that's saying 'Oh you know children who are bad need to be hung,' says Thorne.
This is the second year homeowner Justin Tabert put up the "Naughty Tree" and he says it's a big hit.
"It was fun to read the responses from everybody and it was all positive," says Tabert.
Gina McNearney walks by the house often, and is one of many not bothered by what they see.
"It's an innocent display, although rather gruesome, but it's all in fun," says McNearney.
Last year coverage of the display hit the internet. Tabert says he's not bothered if some people think he's a disturbed individual because of his decorations.
"People are going to think what they want to think and I don't hate kids," says Tabert.
"I know it's Halloween and all but why would you want to hang baby dolls, you know it's just a little disturbing to see," says Thorne.
The city codes department says, while graphic, the display isn't breaking any laws, homeowners can put as many dolls hanging from the tree as they want. City leaders also say the display is free speech protected by the First Amendment, but Samantha Thorne is still offended.
"That's just very messed up, that needs to come down," says Thorne.
"My opinion is, if you don't like it, don't look at it," says McNearney.
If you're interested in seeing the house, it's in the 25-hundred block of Tieton Drive in Yakima.