Mar 17, 2021 - News

"Stoker" graffiti around Des Moines likely the work of a tagger

Linh Ta

Tags saying "death" and "stoker!" on the East University Avenue bridge. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

A reader reached out to Axios after noticing the word "stoker" was getting spray painted around the Des Moines metro.

He first noticed it in West Des Moines. And then we noticed it along the trail by the Botanical Garden downtown.

The reader's question: What's up with the graffiti? Is it gang-related?

West Des Moines Sgt. Jason Heintz said the graffiti is likely from a "tagger" — a person or a group who is recognizable by a word or symbol.

In 2016, Heintz investigated tags that resulted in thousands of dollars in damages around West Des Moines.
He later learned it was two Waukee High School students who were spray-painting crowns on public surfaces. Both were arrested, but he said one girl was "immensely" talented in her artwork.

The bottom line: Taggers have no threatening intentions behind their marks. It's just real-world clout chasing, Des Moines Sgt. Paul Parizek told Axios.

Still unanswered: Who's Stoker?

If you have a Des Moines-linked question you'd like answered, email [email protected].

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"Stoker" graffiti around Des Moines likely the work of a tagger

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