Vandals Target Two Cemeteries in Compton and Carson, Stealing Bronze Plaques and Memorial Markers
Reward Offered for Information Leading to Arrest and Conviction of Perpetrators
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has renewed a pair of reward offers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for vandalizing two cemeteries in Compton and Carson, stealing bronze plaques and memorial markers.
Woodlawn Celestial Gardens in Compton
On January 6, vandals targeted Woodlawn Celestial Gardens cemetery in Compton, one of the oldest operating cemeteries in Los Angeles County, dating back to the 1880s. The cemetery includes numerous prominent figures and many local military veterans going as far back as the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. The property owner estimates the financial loss to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Lincoln Memorial Park in Carson
On January 12, Lincoln Memorial Park in Carson was hit by vandals who ripped bronze markers and plaques from headstones and walls of a mausoleum. According to Supervisor Holly Mitchell, damage from that heist was estimated to be more than $2 million.
Damage to Lincoln Memorial Park
A prominent bronze statue of President Abraham Lincoln that was dedicated in 1934 was damaged in an attempt to remove a plaque from the facade of the statue. Additionally, a large bronze plaque that was gifted and dedicated to the cemetery in 1949 by former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe Louis to commemorate and honor local veterans who died in combat had also been removed and stolen.
Rewards Offered
A reward of $20,000 was offered for information regarding vandalism at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens. The reward for information on vandals at the Lincoln Memorial Park was increased to $25,000 on Wednesday.
No Suspects Identified
No suspects have been identified in either crime. Anyone with information on the vandalism was urged to call Lt. Vincent Ursini of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at 562-946-7008 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Conclusion
The vandalism at these two cemeteries is not only a financial loss but also a desecration of the resting places of those who have served our country and community. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is committed to bringing those responsible to justice and offering a reward for information leading to their arrest and conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the estimated financial loss at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens?
A: The property owner estimates the financial loss to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Q: What is the estimated damage at Lincoln Memorial Park?
A: Damage from that heist was estimated to be more than $2 million.
Q: What is the reward for information on vandals at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens?
A: A reward of $20,000 is offered for information regarding vandalism at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens.
Q: What is the reward for information on vandals at Lincoln Memorial Park?
A: A reward of $25,000 is offered for information on vandals at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Q: Who should I contact if I have information on the vandalism?
A: Anyone with information on the vandalism should call Lt. Vincent Ursini of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at 562-946-7008 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
