Around 100 Headstones, Memorials Significantly Vandalized At Cemetery In Meriden: Police

MERIDEN, CT — Around 100 headstones and memorials were significantly vandalized and damaged in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Meriden, according to police.

Police responded around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, to several calls reporting “significant vandalism and damage” being done to the headstones and monuments within St. Patrick’s Cemetery at 94 Wall St. in Meriden, according to Lt. Darrin McKay.

McKay said the responding officer met with the property maintenance company and the two walked the entire cemetery, noting the damage.

“During the walkthrough it was noted that roughly 100 headstones, monuments and obelisks had been knocked off their bases,” McKay wrote in a news release. “Some of the headstones that dated back to the 1800s were cracked in half and look to be unrepairable while others showed gouge marks that were consistent with the usage of a chain or cable.”

The officer noted that there were no tire marks in the grass, and due to the number and size of the monuments damaged, it is believed there are multiple suspects responsible, according to McKay.

“Officers canvassed the area for witnesses and stopped at homes with camera systems in hopes of being able to identify potential suspects,” McKay wrote. “The Meriden Police Department Detective Bureau will be assisting with the ongoing investigation.”

McKay said initial investigations and statements from residents indicate that the crime occurred between 8 p.m. on Aug. 11 and 7 a.m. on Aug. 12.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Alejandro Schroder or Detective Benjamin Pellegrini at 203-630-6201.

For video of some of the damage, visit the City of Meriden on Facebook here.

See also:

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