Black Lives Matter mural artist faces Nov. bench trial

The mural prior to being vandalized, and Beth Wittenberg, inset. (Courtesy photos)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester woman who spray painted a "Black Lives Matter" mural on a Rochester overpass last month is headed for a November bench trial on a misdemeanor charge of vandalism.

Beth Wittenberg, 50, of 6 Lyons St., turned herself into Rochester Police after a warrant was issued in late July.

She waived her arraignment in Rochester District Court on Monday and will continue free on personal recognizance pending the trial.

Police first responded to a report of vandalism on the Blackwater Road overpass of the Spaulding on July 18.

It was reported someone had painted a large mural on the wall, which is state property.

The mural had shown a backward American flag with split black hearts instead of stars. On gray cement to the right of the flag a message read hashtag "Black Lives Matter."

Ironically, Wittenberg's mural, itself, was vandalized soon after it was completed with someone spray painting over the word "Black" so that the mural read "Lives Matter."

Workers have since painted over the mural.

Wittenberg was charged with criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in county jail. She could also be forced to pay restitution for the cleanup.

The trial is set for Nov. 7.