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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.