Cop Accused Of Using Murder Victim's Blood To Write Message For Artwork

A New Orleans police officer is being investigated for writing a message at a crime scene last week using the blood of a murder victim as ink.

Detective Charles Hoffacker, who is also an artist, waited until the murder victim's body was removed from the crime scene before using the coagulated blood on the street to write a message, according to a formal complaint obtained by WWL-TV.

Hoffacker has since been decommissioned and placed on desk duty, the New Orleans Police Department told the station. He is not allowed to wear a uniform or carry a weapon.

The homicide detective's lawyer said his client never meant any harm and that the incident occurred after Hoffacker pulled a double shift during Memorial Day weekend during which four people were killed.

"This was an isolated incident that happened during a very, very difficult time for New Orleans and for this officer also," attorney Eric Hessler told WWL-TV. "And I'm hoping that the NOPD sees it that way and treats it that way."

Hoffacker, also known by his gallery name Von Hoffacker, has a reputation for using the carnage he sees as a cop to inspire his artwork. He once used bullet casings to depict the image of a convicted killer.

"I use art to bring the violence I experience on a daily basis to the forefoot of a more cultivated world," Hoffacker wrote on his website. "Art to ignite reflection and artistic creation to spur a dialogue of resolution is the underlying purpose of pursuing this career."

NOPD's Public Integrity Bureau has 14 days to decide whether or not to pursue criminal action against Hoffacker, the station reported.

Hoffacker gave the artwork he made to the murder victim's family. It is to be auctioned off to raise money for Crime Stoppers and the victim's family.

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