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Vandals destroy headstones dating back to 1800s in a small Ida cemetery

Posted at 9:48 PM, May 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-17 23:12:56-04

An isolated cemetery in Ida Township is the target of vandals. Six headstones are destroyed or damaged and now there is a growing concern about identifying the graves.

The vandalism happened at the LuLu Cemetery in Ida Township sometime over the weekend.

"It's a little scary obviously in the small town of Ida,” said Michelle Hoover, who lives right across the street from the cemetery.

The LuLu cemetery sits back from the road and it’s hidden by trees and a couple of houses. Hoover said she and her husband are always on alert when cars come through at night.

"Whenever we see headlights go by, normally our ears perk up and we try to pay attention, we have called law enforcement on two different occasions,” said Hoover.

On those two occasions, nothing happened, but no one heard or saw anything this time.

"Worrisome that we would have people in the area that have blatant disregard of people's feelings and remains for that matter,” said Hoover.

The Ida Township Supervisor, Paul Metz said the gravestones date back to the 1800’s and the city’s records were destroyed.

"Back, I'm not sure when, the township had a fire and documents were destroyed, that old of a gravestone, we really don't have information for,” said Metz.

He’s hopeful the word will get out and someone, possible a relative might help him and the township identify the graves and replace the stones. 

The cemetery is owned by the township and replacing the stones will be difficult.

"I guess that's the sad part about it, I don't think they really knew what they were destroying,” said Metz.

If you have any information about who vandalized the LuLu Cemetery, call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 734-240-7700.

If you know who may be buried at the site of the destroyed gravestones, call the Ida Township offices at 734-269-3045.