Reward Offered After Gravestone Stolen From Cemetery In Brooklyn: CSP

BROOKLYN, CT — A reward of $2,500 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of whoever stole a large gravestone from the South Cemetery in Brooklyn, according to the Troop D Resident State Trooper's Office in Danielson.

The Benard Family is offering the reward; the twilight red-colored gravestone carries the names of mother, Gloria, and son, Michael.

According to state police, the gravestone has been missing since June 27, and the Benard family was able to replace it this week through an anonymous donation from someone who learned of the crime.

Click here to view a photo of the replacement gravestone, which resembles the original. South Cemetery is along Route 169, next to the Brooklyn Fairgrounds.

In July, Mark Benard spoke to WTNH-TV about the theft, calling it "very hurtful." The gravestone bears the names of Mark's mother and brother.

Prior to the marker's disappearance, the gravestone was vandalized more than once, and Mark Benard told the station that he received threatening text messages from a burner phone about it.

The gravestone is estimated to weigh about 500 pounds, and would require at least two people to move it.

"Any viable information can be directed to the Brooklyn Resident Troopers Office phone number at (860) 234-1051, or Kyle.Ambrose@ct.gov," Trooper Ambrose wrote on Facebook.