The Salem News reports that the two Witches arrested for leaving dead animal parts in front of two local metaphysical shops in Salem, have had their charges reduced by a judge on Friday.

“A Salem District Court judge yesterday reduced the charges against two people accused of placing mutilated raccoon parts in the doorways of two Salem shops last spring … Sharon Graham and Frederick Purtz had been charged with malicious destruction of property and littering in the incidents, which brought to light tensions within the community of witches and psychics who have established a presence in Salem over the past several decades. Graham also was charged with witness intimidation … During a hearing yesterday, Graham’s lawyer, David Gavegnano, convinced Judge Richard Mori that police had overcharged the two because a charge of malicious destruction requires that property be damaged or destroyed. The buildings were not damaged when the raccoon entrails, body and head were left there, Gavegnano argued; the blood and animal parts were simply cleaned up.”

Graham still faces charges of defacing property and witness intimidation. The prosecutor has also threatened to appeal the judge’s ruling. This case initially stems from an internal struggle within Salem over the licensing of psychics, and some bad blood between Graham and local event organizer Christian Day. You can read my full coverage of the Salem “psychic wars” at this link.

Tags: Christian Day, law, psychics, Salem, Sharon Graham