Residents fuming as tombstones vandalized at Trenton, Ont. area cemeteries
It’s a crime with a huge emotional impact—150 headstones in four separate cemeteries have been defaced by vandals.
It happened in Trenton, just west of Belleville.
Ontario Provincial Police say several headstones at the Mount Evergreen Cemetery on Stockdale Road were found spray-painted on Sunday morning.
The sites were sprayed with red paint and some property, including gifts and flowers left for loved ones, was destroyed.
Headstones and property were also reported vandalized at the Mount Calvary cemetery in Trenton Junction, the St. Georges Cemetery in Trenton, and Mount Zion cemetery northwest of Trenton.
On Monday, police said they believed about 75 headstones had been affected. On Tuesday, they announced that number had more than doubled during the investigation.
Delores Sullivan has family members buried at Mount Evergreen Cemetery. She had to see the vandalism for herself.
“I can’t believe people would do that,” she tells CTV Ottawa. “I was fuming. I was just livid. I’ve never been so angry.”
Luckily, Sullivan’s father, mother and brother’s headstones were spared. Still, she says, she’s furious.
“It’s only a stone but it’s not really only a stone, because somebody you loved is under there,” she says.
Hannah Brown, community engagement officer for the city of Quinte West, says the vandalism has affected the whole community.
“It’s a completeLy senseless crime and the mayor of council are really upset over what has happened,” she says.
Police say all four cemeteries were hit between Friday and Sunday. OPP have not pointed to a motive behind the crime.
On Tuesday, many could be seen coming and going throughout the day, to check on their loved ones' headstones.
David Orr found his friend's angel statue smeared with red, and a wreath had been snapped in pieces.
“Angry. Mostly angry about it. I don’t understand it,” he says. “The people surrounded by him must be angry too. It doesn’t make any sense. Why would you do that?”
OPP ask anyone with information to contact them directly.
The city says a local company has offered to clean the headstones for free.
Police are asking anyone with information, or who may have helpful security footage, to get in touch. OPP can be reached at 1-888-310-1122.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.