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COMPTON (CNS) - Authorities Tuesday were seeking the suspects who vandalized a Compton cemetery and stole some bronze grave markers, likely in hopes of selling the metal.
The crime occurred last week at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens in the 1700 block of West Greenleaf Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
No arrests have been reported, according to the sheriff's department.
``This is not right, Woodlawn, we want love and peace," owner Celestina Bishop told KCAL9. ``This is not peaceful, this is not loving."
Bishop, who funds the upkeep of the cemetery, discovered the shattered remains of many grave sites last Thursday. The vandals also stole multiple plaques.
She believes the suspects cut through a fence and started smashing grave markers, and that they wanted the bronze from the tombstones to sell to recyclers.
``This is supposed to be sacred land and people are supposed to be at eternal rest," Bishop said.
The historic memorial park houses the remains of more than 900 veterans from as far back as the War of 1812 to Operation Desert Storm. Bishop said the settlers of the city are also buried at Woodlawn.
``I realized ... that my mother and my sisters have a bronze headstone," Bishop said. ``I told my husband my mom needs a new headstone because I'd rather be the one that picks it up than have someone destroy it."
Bishop said the thieves also stole lawn equipment.
Anyone with information on the crime was urged to call the Compton Sheriff's Station at 310-605-6500.