Woman who threatened Hispanic family in viral video pleads guilty

ST. LOUIS – The woman who was caught on surveillance camera shouting racist slurs at a Hispanic family in their south St. Louis home in early 2022 was sentenced to probation Thursday.

Judy Kline, 55, pleaded guilty to violating the housing rights of a St. Louis family, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Sayler Fleming. She was sentenced to five years probation, the maximum sentence for the crime.

The press release states that Kline currently lives in a nursing home where she is receiving psychiatric treatment. As part of her probation, Kline must remain in the nursing home or similar facility to continue treatment.

According to the press release, Kline broke into the home on January 5, 2022, armed with a hammer. In the basement of the home, she struck the family's dryer with a hammer and then attempted to run toward a family member at the top of the stairs. The family member locked the door.

Kline then left the house and walked to the front door. The incident caught the attention of local and federal prosecutors when surveillance video showing Kline harassing a family in south St. Louis was shared online.

Kline can be heard yelling into a Ring doorbell camera: “There are illegals living here. Get out! You're a bunch of illegals who don't belong on American land. Get out!”

In another video she says: “You are not an American. Get off my property! Did you have anything to do with 9/11?”

Personal property records show that Kline previously lived in this house.

During the hearing, Kline apologized and said she was getting help for her mental illness.

Kline has been charged with burglary, harassment and other crimes in St. Louis. Those charges are still pending, but in an approved motion to continue the case, the judge said Kline is awaiting a motion in federal court that should “dispose of this case.”