More memorials vandalized in Boston

Memorial vandalized with oil

Boston police are investigating vandalism at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mattapan. On Tuesday, it was discovered that several memorials have had oil poured on them including one for fallen Boston Police officers, Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI & WWII monument altar, Knights of Columbus and Free Masons.

On Monday, we reported that the World War II Memorial at the entrance of the causeway at Castle Island was vandalized in the same way. Massachusetts State Police are currently investigating this incident. The community is actively working to get the memorial cleaned. It was announced via twitter that this memorial will be rededicated in 2020.

BPD are actively investigating if these incidents are connected. Said Police Commissioner William Gross, “How incredibly distasteful and disheartening it is to learn about the damage done to the memorials at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mattapan. Clearly, these memorials are meant to honor and show great respect to those, whether they be veterans or police officers, who spent a lifetime in dedicated service to our city and nation. I find it beyond reprehensible and wrong that anyone would think it okay to damage and desecrate such hallowed grounds. Clearly, we hope to quickly identify and hold accountable the person responsible for these misguided and hateful actions.”

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact District B-3 Detectives at (617) 343-4712.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.