More Than 100 Gravesites Vandalized at Greenlawn Memorial Park

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)- Columbia Police are investigating after more than 100 Gravesites have been vandalized at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Sunday.

Reports say at some point during the evening of July 1 and early morning on July 2, over one hundred gravesites at Greenlawn Memorial Park were vandalized.

Columbia Police say and estimated $10,000 worth of damages were done. Damages include the shredding of flowers, dislodging of vases and throwing of debris throughout the affected sections in the cemetery.

“We are deeply saddened by the destruction and vandalism that occurred in our cemetery this weekend. We wish to assure our families that we are fully committed to restoring the park and bringing the gravesites back to their dignified and respectable standards,” General Manager, Suzanne Elkins said.

Greenlawn Memorial Park ask that members of the community let staff know of any unusual or suspicious activities observed in the park this weekend that could lead to the identification of the perpetrators.

To receive up to $1000 for information about the crime or if you know the identity of the suspects, citizens are encouraged to contact CRIMESTOPPERS in any of the following ways: call 888-CRIME-SC(888-274-6372), text to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with “TIPSC,” followed by the tip information or go to: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the “Submit a tip” tab.

On Saturday, July 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., families who have been affected by the vandalism are invited to Greenlawn Memorial Park to select flowers to replace those stolen from their loved ones’ graves and obtain new American flags.

In addition, Greenlawn Memorial Park will be hosting a Community Cookout from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to express thanks and appreciation to their families and the members of our community who have shown tremendous kindness in their efforts to assist in the restoration of the memorial park.

A number of community members have offered to donate funds toward the cost of replacing the flowers. Those families wishing to do so are asked to check the Greenlawn Memorial Park Facebook page, as plans are in process to coordinate this effort.