After $25k in vandalism, cemetery wants more mental-health resources, NC cops say
An act of vandalism left grave sites with at least $25,000 in damage, North Carolina officials say, leading to a push for better mental health resources.
Spray paint was scrawled across marble monuments at Lafayette Memorial Park in Fayetteville, according to Spectrum News and an incident report from the Fayetteville Police Department.
Video footage of the grounds shows defaced statues, including at least one with its hands missing, ABC11, The News & Observer’s media partner, reported Monday.
The cemetery wrote on Facebook that some of the monuments were hand-carved and made of Georgia marble.
“It is a lost art and sadly impossible to replace in their current material composition and craftsmanship,” the cemetery wrote.
After the vandalism complaint initially went to police, WNCN reported damage to the cemetery was worth $100,000 or more.
In the wake of this month’s alleged vandalism, Lafayette Memorial Park says it wants to expand mental health resources.
“For those of you who wish to help, we are putting together some resources for mental health outreach in Fayetteville and Cumberland County and we would love to hear any ideas you have towards making this a better system than it is currently,” the cemetery posted on its Facebook page.
Police say the person who caused the damage is a homeless man who spent time at the cemetery, WNCN reports.
Raymond Goodwyn, 50, was arrested last week in connection with the case and charged with disturbing a grave marker, court records show.
He is out of jail on bond and has a court date next month, according to WNCN and state records.
After the alleged act of vandalism, Lafayette Memorial Park announced it was closing its entrance after hours. Later, officials announced they would open the gates but monitor surveillance cameras, according to Facebook posts.
