Carson cemetery robbed of gravestones a week after similar crime in Compton

Cemetery vandals strike again

Thieves took more than 100 copper nameplates from graves at a Carson cemetery, just days after a similar scene at a Compton cemetery just across the street.

Authorities Monday were investigating a burglary and vandalism at a Carson cemetery that was targeted by thieves who took more than 100 name plaques from some final resting places.

The crime occurred at Lincoln Memorial Park in the 16700 block of South Central Avenue, not far from Woodlawn Celestial Gardens in Compton, which was targeted about a week earlier, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

About a hundred bronze name plates were pried off mausoleum graves, along with a large plaque commemorating WWII African American veterans, which was donated by famed boxer Joe Lewis, in the '40’s.

"The thought of someone even picking a cemetery to rob ... was utterly disgusting to me," Aisha Woods, a community advocate living in Carson, said.

Woods pointed out the missing name plaques throughout the cemetery, which were taken during an early morning burglary on Friday.

"It takes a lot of force to pry this off," Woods said, displaying one plaque that was bent out of shape but not completely removed from the wall.

She also pointed out the now-missing face of a memorial for African American soldiers who were killed in World War II that was donated by boxer Joe Louis in 1944.

Lincoln Memorial Park was one of the first integrated cemeteries in Los Angeles County.

Whoever is responsible, left tools next to the large bust of President Lincoln, which towers over the veteran's memorial.

"They’ve tried twice to take him," Woods said. She, along with Valerie Holyfield, are the volunteers heading volunteer efforts to maintain the cemetery, which is in limbo since its owner surrendered its license last summer.

Similar to the first theft, it seems that the thieves are after anything bronze, which Woods believes they're pawning off to resellers or recycling companies.

The suspects apparently used some type of fluid to remove patina from the bust to determine what sort of metal it's made out of.

In the meantime, Woods says that families stopping by have instead placed pieces of tape on their loved ones' graves to replace the now missing plaques.

There have been efforts to bring in the Veteran's Administration to help with maintenance, perhaps even donate some kind of camera security system. But volunteers say so far nothing has been done.

"We desperately need the public’s help," Wood added "We try to keep Lincoln Memorial open Monday through Friday, so people can visit their loved ones. But if we don’t get some help, security, or cameras, there’s going to be nothing to visit, if this continues".

Cemetery vandals targeting tombstones

Thieves in Compton have reached a new low: stealing copper and bronze from the cemetery.

About a week earlier, suspects vandalized Woodlawn Celestial Gardens in Compton and stole some bronze grave markers, likely in hopes of selling the metal. T

People wishing to help, or to inquire about the graves at Lincoln, can call 213-352-0766. No arrests have been reported in either case. Anyone with information on the crimes is urged to call the sheriff's Compton Station at 310-605-6500 or the Carson Station at 310-830-1123.