Local News

Headstones in Wilson cemetery destroyed by hit-and-run driver

A dozen headstones at a Wilson cemetery were destroyed over the weekend by a hit-and-run driver.

Posted Updated

By
Julian Grace
, WRAL anchor/reporter
WILSON, N.C. — A dozen headstones at a Wilson cemetery were destroyed over the weekend by a hit-and-run driver.

It happened Saturday at the Rest Haven Cemetery on Bishop L.N. Forbes Lane.

Police said a vehicle ran off the road and straight into the cemetery, hitting the headstones. Officers said as they were heading to the crash a witness reported that the driver was running from the scene.

Crime scene tape still surrounds the area as police continue to investigate what happened.

Wilson police are trying to figure out who was behind the wheel and how it happened.

Something else unaccounted for are the people that caused the destruction. Wilson police say the suspects ran off the road crashed into the headstones and jumped into another car and took off.

On Monday, WRAL News spoke with families who have loved ones buried at the Rest Haven Cemetery.

"I wanted to see it firsthand for myself," Douglas Barnes said. "It was heart-wrenching. It looked like a war zone."

Barnes' mother, first wife and daughter are buried at the cemetery.

"I’m here to check and make sure my headstone is in correct order, and I realized one of my headstones is missing a base," Barnes said.

Velma Reid also stopped by the cemetery on Monday.

"I'm out here every day, two or three times a day to see my mama," Reid said.

Police have a witness and the person's car who caused the destruction to help with the investigation. Now, they just need a critical tip.

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