The Bristol Township Police Department is actively investigating a disturbing act of vandalism that occurred at Bristol Cemetery where multiple headstones were found damaged earlier this week and as controversy about the eternal resting places continues to swirl.
Officers responded to the cemetery after receiving reports of vandalism and discovered that several grave markers had been deliberately defaced with paint. This act of desecration is not only a criminal offense but a deeply disrespectful affront to the memory of the deceased and the families who care for them, a sternly worded press release said Friday afternoon.
“Our department takes this matter extremely seriously. We understand how deeply upsetting this is for the loved ones affected and for the entire Bristol Township community. We are committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice,” Sgt Jason Mancuso said.
The Bristol Township Police Department is utilizing all available investigative tools, including forensic analysis, surveillance footage, and community outreach, to identify and apprehend the individual(s) responsible, Mancuso added.
The police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Line at (215) 788-8289 or emailing crimetips@bristolpd.org. You can also reach out to Sergeant Patrick Kitchenman at pkitchenman160@bristolpd.org.
As a precaution, the department will also be increasing patrols around local cemeteries to deter any further incidents.
The cemetery became the focus of Bristol related social media in recent weeks, for an alleged racially incendiary incident involving then cemetery caretaker William Brown II of Croydon. Brown allegedly used the “N-word” in heated exchange directing it at a woman of color, who was visiting the cemetery.
“This is a violation that goes beyond property damage—it strikes at the heart of our community,” said Mancuso.
The Bristol Township Police Department is dedicated to protecting the safety and dignity of all members of our community through professional, compassion and thorough law enforcement, officials noted.
A Friday social media post invited the community at large to a 6:30 p.m. prayer vigil at the cemetery.
Bristol Cemetery officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment this evening.
