2 Charged, 3rd Sought in April Vandalism of Richmond Cemetery

Two men charged in cemetery vandalism - Third suspect sought by Richmond police
(Archived article @ Newsbank)
Bill Robinson ~ The Richmond Register ~ 5/12/2010


RICHMOND — Richmond Police have made two arrests and are seeking a third suspect in connection with vandalism that occurred April 2-3 at the Richmond Cemetery.

About 150 monuments and grave markers, dating from the 1850s to the early 20th century, were overturned. Many suffered damage, with some being chipped, cracked or fragmented. A few crumbled when they fell to the ground. Total damage was estimated at more than $40,000, according to Thomas J. Smith III, cemetery board chair.

Joseph Dewayne Combs, 25, of Altamont Street was arrested Friday, and William Damien Gross, 19, of Keri Ann Drive was arrested Monday, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.

They have been charged with violating graves, a Class-D felony, and second-degree criminal trespass, a Class-A misdemeanor. Both are lodged in the Madison County Detention Center, where they remained Tuesday, each on a $2,500 cash bond. A hold order from circuit court could prevent Combs’ release, even if he can post bond, a detention center officer said.

Police also are seeking Sara Elizabeth Smart, 20, of Waco and have a warrant for her arrest.

Late last week, investigators “developed information indicating that three persons were responsible for the damage,” Brock said.

Combs was arrested on Friday after an interview at police headquarters, the chief said. A warrant was obtained for Gross, and he was arrested Monday.

If convicted, the suspects could face one to five years in prison on the felony charge and up to a year in jail on the misdemeanor charge.

After the incident, the cemetery board announced a $1,000 reward leading to the conviction of the perpetrators. Brock said information provided by a confidential informant helped lead to the arrests, but was unsure if anyone was interested in the reward.

Some or all of the suspects had been drinking prior to the incident, the chief said, and a whisky bottle found in the cemetery the next day may link to the offense.

Smith said the cemetery board appreciates the “hard work that our police put into this investigation that has resulted in two arrests.” The board will be happy to pay the reward if an informant’s information leads to a conviction in the case, he said.

Eastern Kentucky University has completed repairs of the cemetery’s back fence that borders its property. Estimates also have been obtained for putting a new, higher fence along the cemetery’s west side off Baker Court, Smith said.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.

(A Lex18 news station article on this piece includes video of the damage and suspects.)