St. Paul police investigating cemetery vandalism

by Elizabeth Baier, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Police are investigating after vandals tipped over 34 headstones at the Elmhurst Cemetery in St. Paul earlier this week.

The incident happened sometime between 9 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday, authorities said.

None of the headstones were broken and most have been re-erected, according to Elmhurst Cemetery Superintendent Jerry Krieger.

The cemetery, at 1510 North Dale St., hadn't been vandalized in at least 25 years, said Krieger, who's worked there for 40 years.

Krieger estimates $7,000 in damages. He said most of the cost will come from efforts to re-erect the headstones, which weigh as much as 1,600 a piece.

"You work hard to get the grounds ready for this time of year," said Krieger, who spotted the damages earlier this week. "It was kind of depressing. It was kind of gut wrenching. You take care of the place like it's your own."

Authorities have no suspects or witnesses, according to St. Paul Police Spokesman Sgt. Paul Schnell. The incident is still under investigation.

Cases of cemetery vandalism occur every couple years in St. Paul, Schnell said.

"It's such a senseless act," Schnell said. "It's so hurtful to these families that these grave markers mean a lot to them."

Anyone with information is asked to call the St. Paul Police Department at 651-291-1111.