Vandals Dig Up Casket, Damage Headstones at Cemetery

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SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- The Sandy Springs Police Department is asking citizens to come forward with any information they may have to help track down those responsible for vandalizing a private cemetery.

The cemetery behind the Dunwoody Pointe Apartments in the 7900 block of Roswell Road was recently vandalized, the agency said on its Facebook page.

A maintenance worker at the apartment complex called police on March 22 to inform them of the discovery at the Powers Family Cemetery, which is located in a wooded area behind the multi-family development, according to a Sandy Springs police incident report.

The suspects dug up a casket as well as damaged several headstone markers on the property, according to the department.

During the investigation, detectives recovered two shovels and an empty bag of potato chips at the scene. Those items were turned over to be processed for any fingerprints or other evidence.

Members of the Sandy Springs Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division reviewed the exposed casket and determined it had not been opened during the alleged damage.

Those detectives then went to work in placing the dirt back over the casket. SSPD is working with Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta to solve the case.

Anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator(s) of this crime is eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 through the organization.

Citizens can submit tips by visiting www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or texting CSA Tip to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters can remain anonymous.

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Photo: investigators with Sandy Springs police work to place dirt back over a casket that was dug up at a private cemetery by vandals. Credit: Sandy Springs police