Police investigating mail they believe threatened city's mayor

Police are investigating this black rose and letter that was sent to Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham this week.

Brazil police are investigating threatening mail received by the city's mayor this week that included a black rose and a warning purportedly passed down from God.

The letter, addressed to Mayor Brian Wyndham and received at Brazil City Hall on Monday, contained a black rose and note that said, "God knows what you did to the residents on Franklin Street and He is NOT pleased!!!!!!!!!!" There was no return address.

Police Chief Clint McQueen said his department is investigating the correspondence. He urges those with any information about the mailing to come forward.

"We have some physical evidence that we can use along with other investigative tools," he said. "We are working to develop suspects."

Black roses symbolize many different things, including death, revenge and mourning, according to several Internet sources. In this case, McQueen said, the rose and note together appear to be a threat.

"A lot of people would determine that as a death threat," he said.

Wyndham, who is nearing the final year of his first term, said it's the first time he's received such a threat while in office.

"It's one of those things that you want to pass it off, but, on the other hand, you want to be aware of it, too," he said. "There are people out there and you don't know what they are thinking or if it's a joke to them."

The mayor also said he's unsure what the letter references in regards to Franklin Street. The city recently paved the road, which runs north and south from Kruzan Street to the city's southern limit.

"I don't know of anything that's been done down there that would cause anybody some hard feelings," he said.

Anyone with information should contact the BPD at 812-446-2211.