The graffiti has been seen almost exclusively on properties in the process of being torn down by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to make way for the upcoming road project. This graffiti was not authorized by the NCDOT. The suspect in these incidents used the tag name “lover” on these structures.

On Aug. 31, 2023, the Sylva Police Department received several phone calls from concerned citizens regarding someone spray painting a wall near the Dunkin Donuts. Officers with the Sylva Police Department responded and spoke with the man painting the wall. He was identified as Samual Christopher Wilson.  

Mr. Wilson gave officers a story that he had permission by the property owners to paint on the structures, because they were about to be destroyed. He also claimed to be commissioned by the Jackson County Arts Counsel. That turned out to be untrue.

Sylva Police investigated the various dates and locations of property that had been vandalized. There were six areas that were identified to have been vandalized by Mr. Wilson. Five of the properties belonged to the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the sixth property belonged to a private citizen.

On Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, Wilson was arrested and charged with six counts of misdemeanor injury to property.