Grand Jury to Hear Richmond Cemetery Vandalism Case

Grand Jury to hear cemetery vandalism case
(Archived article @ Newsbank)
Brian Smith ~ The Richmond Register ~ 5/21/2010


RICHMOND - Two men charged with violating graves in connection with a vandalism spree at the Richmond Cemetery that caused more than $40,000 in damage waived preliminary hearings Wednesday in Madison District Court.

Joseph Dewayne Combs, 25, of Altamont Street, and William Damien Gross, 19, of Keri Ann Drive, both appeared before Madison District Judge Charles Hardin on Wednesday.

The men are accused of participating in the destruction of approximately 150 grave markers and headstones at the cemetery some time on the evening of April 2 or the morning of April 3, Richmond police said.

A third person, 20-year-old Sara Elizabeth Smart of Waco, is scheduled to appear in Madison District Court on Wednesday on the same charges in connection with the incident.

Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock said Thursday that Smart was arrested in Jackson County on unrelated charges last week.

Brock said the Jackson County authorities did not realize Smart was being sought in connection to the cemetery incident until after she was arrested.

Some of the damaged headstones dated back to before the Civil War. A few of the stones shattered after being knocked over, while others were chipped or cracked, cemetery officials said.

An empty whiskey bottle was found in the cemetery the day after the incident, Brock said, and police believe alcohol may have been a factor in the incident.

Combs was arrested May 7 after an interview with investigators at police headquarters, Brock said, and Gross was taken into custody May 10.

Each man faces a single count of violating graves, a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison if convicted, and a misdemeanor second-degree criminal trespass charge.

The charges will now go before a grand jury for possible indictment.

Hardin did grant a motion to amend Gross’ bond from a $2,500 full cash bond to 10 percent of a $10,000 bond. If Gross posts the $1,000 to gain his release, he will be required to remain in contact with court officials as part of a monitored release program.

Combs’ bond remains set at $2,500 cash.

Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694. For breaking news, follow Brian at www.twitter.com/RR_BSmith.