Reward offered for vandals in Bluff cemetery damage

Daily American Republic

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff authorities are looking for information on the people who damaged nearly 75 headstones in the Woodlawn Cemetery last weekend.

According to police detective Fred Landwersiek, the damage happened sometime Friday night or early Saturday morning.

"Suspects unknown went to Woodlawn Cemetery and damaged 72 headstones," Landwersiek said. "Most of them were knocked over. Some were broken in half and are in pieces."

The damage was discovered by Jerry Smith, the cemetery's supervisor.

Landwersiek said authorities would "appreciate any help the citizens could provide in identify the suspects."

A reward will be given for information leading the arrest and conviction of the vandals, Landwersiek said. All information will be kept confidential.

Anyone with information is asked to call Landwersiek at 686-8641.