Henrico County Public Schools officials late today announced that they had identified the person who hung a noose from a tree on the campus of Varina High School earlier this week.

The culprit – a student at the school – will not be publicly identified but faces "very serious school disciplinary action up to a recommendation for expulsion," according to HCPS spokesman Mychael Dickerson. "We would like to commend the Varina High students, staff and Henrico police department for the cooperation and investigation used to bring this offensive incident to a close."

A criminal investigation into the matter is being handled by the Henrico Division of Police, Dickerson said.

Students and other visitors to the school on the evening of May 16 noticed the noose, and photos of it circulated through the community.