Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Carson fell victim to heartless thieves who plundered more than 100 name plaques from final resting places. This heart-wrenching crime, occurring on January 15, adds to a string of similar incidents targeting sacred grounds, with Woodlawn Celestial Gardens in Compton suffering a similar fate just a week earlier. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and local community members express their dismay over the heinous act tarnishing the historic cemetery’s sanctity.
Brazen Act of Theft
The brazen thieves struck at Lincoln Memorial Park, exhibiting a callous disregard for the sanctity of the final resting places. More than 100 name plaques were callously stolen, leaving families distraught and the community in shock. The audacity of targeting a cemetery has sparked outrage, with residents condemning the criminals for their heartless actions.
Lincoln Memorial Park holds historical significance as one of the first integrated cemeteries in Los Angeles County. The cemetery boasts the graves of veterans dating back to the Civil War, making it a cherished landmark. The thieves, seemingly motivated by the value of bronze, have desecrated this sacred ground, removing plaques and even targeting a memorial donated by boxer Joe Louis in 1944, dedicated to African American soldiers killed in World War II.
Community advocate Aisha Woods, who has taken on the responsibility of groundskeeping at the cemetery, expressed her disgust at the criminals’ actions. She highlighted the force required to pry off the plaques, showcasing the extent of the damage. Shocked by the incident, local volunteers have been vigilant in monitoring the grounds and have discovered tools left behind by the suspects during their latest attempt to steal a bust of President Abraham Lincoln.
Thieves Targeting Bronze for Profit
In both the Lincoln Memorial Park and Woodlawn Celestial Gardens incidents, the thieves were targeting bronze items, presumably to sell to resellers or recycling companies. The thieves, driven by the lure of profit, have not only violated sacred spaces but also left behind a trail of destruction. Families visiting the cemetery have resorted to placing tape on their loved ones’ graves to replace the stolen plaques.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about these heart-wrenching crimes to come forward. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has requested assistance from the public to help bring the perpetrators to justice. The community, still reeling from the shock of these thefts, hopes for swift action to preserve the sanctity of their cherished cemetery.
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