Thieves Destroyed Headstones & Stole Metal Plaques From Multiple Graves In Compton Cemetery

Thieves Destroyed Headstones & Stole Metal Plaques From Multiple Graves In Compton Cemetery

A Compton Cemetery owner is searching for answers after multiple headstones and plagues were destroved and stolen overnight.

Celestina Bishop spoke with CBS Los Angeles about the disturbing thievery that took place at the Woodlawn Celestial Gardens, a cemetery that she fully funds and takes care of on her own.

Celestina believes the thieves cut through the wired gate and destroyed the headstones and plaques to obtain the bronze metal to flip to recyclers.

Thieves destroyed headstones and stole metal plaques from multiple graves in Compton cemetery. pic.twitter.com/0s18163fxZ

— Peter Dredd (@PeterDredd) January 10, 2024

“This is not right, Woodlawn, we want love and peace,” she said. “This is not peaceful, this is not loving.”

Woodlawn is the resting place for over 900 veterans dating back all the way to 1812. Celestina claims that the settlers of the city are also buried at Woodlawn.

She says she’s in the process of picking up the pieces, but she’s disappointed that the thieves would disturb a place where people are resting eternally.

“Why where? Why anywhere? This is supposed to be sacred land and people are supposed to be at eternal rest.”