SJPD charges two juveniles in connection to Mount Mora vandalization
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been updated with the most recent information.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Two juveniles are facing felony charges following an investigation by the St. Joseph Police Department into the vandalization of gravestones and headstones at Mount Mora Cemetery Monday.
At about noon on Monday, April 6, officers with SJPD responded to a report of property damage at Mount More Cemetery, located in the 800 block of Mount Mora Road.
Dozens of gravestones and headstones were toppled over and broken.
Nearby spectators said vandals, wedged open a corner of the fence to gain entry, noting that most of the damage has been concentrated in that area.
Preservationists for the cemetery were notified of the vandalism and said that once the shock wears off, they will begin cleanup efforts.
“So many volunteers work so hard here, and they have for so many years. To just see this sweep of vandalism - it really hurts. It’s disheartening for everybody,” said Megan Wyatt, a fundraiser and preservationist for the cemetery.
Through the course of the investigation, officers identified two juvenile suspects. Both have been charged with property damage in the first degree, a felony charge.
"Defacing a cemetery is not just vandalism, it's a violation of decency," Police Chief Paul Luster said. "This type of behavior will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable. I want to commend our officers for their diligent work in identifying those involved and ensuring this case was resolved swiftly."
As of now, there are no estimates on how much damage has been done nor what the cost of cleanup will be, but preservationists are left wondering why such a thing has happened.
"I don’t know why anyone would want to do this. When they think about their own relatives who have passed away, would they want that to happen to their relatives’ grave markers? I don’t think so. If they thought about it, I don’t think they would,” Wyatt continued.
The last time the cemetery was vandalized was in 2006, when over 300 gravestones were knocked over. The perpetrators were caught by law enforcement.
Due to the involvement of juveniles, no additional information is being released by the SJPD at this time.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact SJPD at 816-271-4777 or submit an anonymous tip through the TIPS Hotline at 816-238-TIPS (8477).
