Nearly $20,000 in vandalism damages were discovered at the Fredericksburg Cemetery this week.
According to a Facebook update, at least 15 gravestones were damaged and toppled between May 3rd and May 4th, and that heavy rains obscured the cemetery’s surveillance cameras. The announcement says the damage affected numerous family plots, including those of former mayors.
A report has been filed with the Fredericksburg Police Department, and the Virginia State Police provided a bloodhound team that was in the area to assist with tracking, confirming that the suspect entered and exited through one of the adjacent properties behind the cemetery. A neighbor reported that a previously closed and secured gate was discovered open.
This week’s incident is the second time in two years the property has been damaged. In July of 2023, the property was targeted by spray paint vandalism.
Donations to the Fredericksburg Cemetery can be made at bit.ly/4d3PrGg.
