Fall River Police update cemetery vandalism, reward offered

UPDATE: The Anti-Defamation League of New England (https://newengland.adl.org/) is offering an additional $1500 in conjunction with the reward from the Fall River Police.

Fall River police have updated the investigation into the vandalism of gravestones at a Hebrew Cemetery in Fall River.

According to Sergeant J.T. Hoar, on Sunday March 17, 2019 at approximately 1:30 p.m. FRPD responded to the Hebrew Cemetery located at 138 McMahon Street in regard to gravestones that were vandalized and damaged with swastikas and Anti-Semitic phrases. The initial discovery of the damage was found by a cemetery maintenance worker.

On Sunday March 17, 2019 at approximately 4:00PM, Fall River Police were called to respond to the area of 138 McMahon Street to speak with a neighbor of the cemetery that had seen a suspicious vehicle parked in the cemetery on two separate occasions. Police investigated the incident and also located a vehicle parked in the cemetery. After investigation, this vehicle was not related to the crimes committed.

It appears that the original incident occurred sometime on March 16, 2019 based on the initial investigation. Approximately 25 gravestones were marked with Anti-Semitic words, phrases and some stones were also pushed over. The stones were marked using black magic marker. A full canvas of the cemetery is being conducted to identify all areas of vandalism and calculate a more accurate number.

The investigation is being lead by Major Crimes Division Sergeant Tom Mauretti and Detective Moses Pereira. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact them at 508-324-2796. Anonymous TIPS are also accepted by calling 508-672-TIPS.

A reward is being offered to anyone that provides information that leads to the apprehension of the suspect(s).