HAMPTON, Va. — A juvenile suspect has been identified in connection with a vandalism investigation at the Jewish Cemetery of the Peninsula, according to Hampton police.
A spokesperson with the Hampton Police Department said the juvenile suspect appears to have acted alone. Police say there is no evidence to suggest the cemetery was targeted due to its religious affiliation.
Around 3:00 a.m. on Friday, officers found several damaged headstones at the cemetery, according to Hampton police. In an update shared with News 3 on Thursday, police say a juvenile suspect was identified, but they did not elaborate.
E.D. "Buddy" David, president of the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula, said the cemetery is a sacred space not only for the Jewish community, but for all.
"To desecrate the ground is not nearly property damage it's an assault on our dead on our grief, and our dignity as a community and I think all members of our community whether they are Jewish or not share that," David said.
News 3 photos taken at the scene show, some tombstones toppled over in the historic Jewish cemetery. In these photos, some appear to be fully fractured.
The Jewish Peninsula released a statement on their website in response to the vandalism, saying they will keep the cemetery as it is until police complete their investigation.
The statement reads, in part: "We know this news is painful. The desecration of a Jewish cemetery strikes at something deep within us: our connection to those we have lost, and our responsibility to preserve their memory with honor. Please know that our community will not rest until this sacred space is restored."
No specific charges have been determined for the suspect. This incident remains under investigation, according to Hampton police.
Click here to see how we use AI at WTKR News 3.
