The parents of a boy who took his own life asked a neighbour to remove a mannequin hanging from a noose - and were told their dead son was "selfish" for taking his own life.
Tony Cassetta and his wife are still coming to terms with the death of the 16-year-old last year.
They spotted the swinging Halloween decoration near their home in Philadelphia, US, and became uncomfortable.
The Army veteran dad spoke to his neighbour and asked her to consider the emotional distress it was causing them.
His wife then wrote to the owner repeating the request and further explained their heartache.
But they were not prepared for the response received, a "sexist and racist" letter calling their son “selfish” for taking his own life in 2019.
The letter writer said the family's loss had “absolutely nothing to do with” her household.
The Cassettas went public with the reply as they try to highlight the damaging effects of mental health.
“Suicide is beyond selfish and your son’s selfishness is still attempting to affect others,” the letter said.
“But it stops here. If anything the display will continue to grow as the years go on.”
Disgusted Tony says the bitter experience has brought the trauma of losing their child back.
“We want nothing but them to see the other side and get a sliver of compassion,” he told NBC.
“It brings you right back to that day when we lost our son.
“We don’t see the Halloween in it. I don’t understand the connection between suicide and Halloween.”
Police told the owner to ensure the mannequin is taken down down.
The Cassetta’s neighbour refused to comment when the network asked for a response.
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