LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– The sheriff’s department and the coroner’s office are investigating after an incident at a local cemetery.
Officials were called to the Cumberland Gardens in Lily around 4:20 p.m. Thursday.
Management at the cemetery notified sheriff’s officials that a mausoleum had been vandalized. They say that a tile had been removed, exposing the casket.
Authorities believe the vandalism happened anywhere between 5 p.m. Wednesday at 4 p.m. Thursday. They say that the vandalized grave belongs to Elisabeth Crawford.
“I don’t know what kind of demon someone has inside of them to think that’s okay,” said Elisabeth’s daughter, Rachael Crawford.
Upon closer examination, officials decided the casket should be transported to the coroner’s office. The coroner determined the casket was not broken into. The casket and Elisabeth Crawford’s body were returned to her resting place on Friday, but for the family, the damage is done.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Cumberland Memorial Gardens at 2:31 p.m. on Friday after management had determined that 24 bronze urns had been stolen from the cemetery. The theft is believed to be related to the forced entry into the tomb.
The investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to call 606-864-6600.
