WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A man was visiting his mother and father’s resting place Monday when he noticed the headstone, along with 46 others, had been broken or dismantled. The crime leaves many in Windom and McPherson with questions about why someone would disrespect the memory of their loved one.
“My first reaction was anger. Why would anyone do this? I don’t understand how anyone could think this is fun or get any enjoyment out of it,” said Castle Township Clerk Joe Hoffman.
Hoffman has overseen the cemetery for the past four years. He said they buried his sister-in-law last December, adding they are frustrated because the family’s headstone was damaged.
“The bad thing about desecrating people’s graves is the effect it has on the family members who actually own the gravestones,” Hoffman said.
McPherson County Sheriff Jerry Montagne said public anger is growing, with many residents driving out to see if their family’s headstone was tampered with during the incident.
Court documents show the suspect has admitted responsibility for the deaths of missing Kansas women
“It’s just building. People are angry. Very angry, and I can certainly understand them. Can you imagine your mother, your father, any of your loved ones, and then someone just goes and destroys their rock? said Montagne.
Montagne said that since the cemetery is off the road, the suspects organized a deliberate plan and are likely local.
“You should know it’s up there. I don’t think anyone from Colorado just came through there, probably from our county or from Rice County,” Montagne said.
Hoffman said the cemetery contains history dating back to the 1800s, making it difficult to contact relatives. He said the city will work to restore those headstones.
“That’s why I think we’re taking it upon ourselves to repair those, and put those back up that living family members aren’t going to take care of,” Hoffman said.
Sheriff Montagne said it is a challenge to remove any prints from gravestones or collect tire tracks from the crime scene.
He said they are offering a reward to the public for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 620-241-1122.
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