Over a dozen grave markers missing from the cemetery in Compton
In the quiet town of Compton, a tragic event has unfolded at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens, one of Los Angeles County's oldest cemeteries. On Friday night, the Compton Sheriff's Department responded to reports of a theft, discovering that 18 headstones had been stolen from the hallowed ground.
The grave stones, each a testament to a life lived, were taken by unknown individuals. The loss has left family members distraught, their loved ones' final resting places disturbed.
Celestine Bishop, the owner of Woodlawn Celestial Gardens, suspects that the headstones were stolen due to the precious metals used in their creation. The cost to replace the vandalized grave markers can reach up to $4,000 each.
This isn't the first time thieves have targeted Woodlawn Celestial Gardens. Nearly two years ago, hundreds of headstones were stolen and dozens were vandalized from the cemetery and other cemeteries in the South Los Angeles region.
Gina Gianatti, a family member, stated that her mother's headstone was among those stolen, and it had been there for 50-something years. Jerlene Tatum, who has family buried at the cemetery, asked if anyone would want someone taking their loved ones' headstones.
The Los Angeles County officials have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the resolution of the cemetery vandalism case. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies are asking anyone with further information to contact the Compton Sheriff's Station.
Iris Salem, a digital producer at our Los Angeles station, has been a dedicated contributor for more than 17 years. She reports that the cemetery holds the graves of more than 26,000 people, including nearly a thousand U.S. veterans dating back to the Civil War.
By Saturday morning, investigators had recovered a tool believed to have been used in the crime. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are hopeful that the community's support will help bring those responsible to justice.
Family members who previously had to band together to try and protect their loved ones' graves are outraged once again. They urge anyone with information to come forward and help restore peace to Woodlawn Celestial Gardens.
