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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
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.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.