Vandals Strike Detroit's Woodmere Cemetery

DETROIT (WJBK) - Vandals struck and caused extensive damage to what many consider a sacred place. Detroit's Woodmere Cemetery is a mess.

Historic Woodmere Cemetery on Detroit's southwest side, a typically serene setting, was a crime scene Friday morning. There were rows of toppled headstones, smashed statues and headless angels.

"See all these stones, it shocks you. You're thinking why do people take that much time to do this kind of stuff," said Jesse.

His wife is buried at Woodmere. She died nearly six years ago from cancer. He had bought a statue of Jesus and placed it in a heart-shaped hole in a tree to watch over her grave. The vandals destroyed it.

"She wouldn't believe this. It's sad that people are that way," Jesse said.

110 headstones in all were pushed over. Some were smashed. Woodmere will reset those that aren't broken and notify the families whose headstones can't be saved.

So much for rest in peace.

"Apparently, they don't believe the way I believe, but I think they'll have to answer for this one day," said Jesse.

He added it's the third time he's seen vandals strike Woodmere in the last six years. There was no security on-duty Thursday night when it happened and no word from the cemetery on whether or not patrols will be increased.