Letter asking for autistic boy to be euthanized not a hate crime: police

NEWCASTLE, Ont. – Police say a letter sent to the Ontario family of a 13-year-old autistic boy telling them to move or have him euthanized does not constitute a hate crime.

The boy’s grandmother, Brenda Millson, received the anonymous letter on Friday and reported it to police.

The letter was signed by someone claiming to be a mother in the area who was upset about noises Millson’s grandson Max made when he was outside.

Durham regional police say a criminal investigation is underway but the letter doesn’t reach the threshold for a hate crime.

Investigators say they consulted with the Crown Attorney’s office on the letter that contains “hateful language.”

The letter has gone on to make international headlines, and Millson says she’s grateful her local community has rallied behind the family.

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