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Wildwood cemetery vandalism: Police seek help identifying driver who destroyed gravesites

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Published  January 9, 2025 11:27pm EST
Sumter County
FOX 35 Orlando

Police seek help identifying driver who destroyed gravesites

Wildwood Police are searching for the person who drove through Greenwood Cemetery. Wildwood Police say a driver plowed through the cemetery, located off Clyde Street, around 2:30 Wednesday morning, knocking down and dragging several headstones.

The Brief

    • Wildwood Police are searching for a driver who vandalized Greenwood Cemetery, damaging multiple headstones, including one belonging to Elsie Lou McAnally.
    • Family members expressed anger and sadness over the reckless act, urging the responsible party to come forward.
    • Police released images of the suspect’s SUV and are asking the public for help in identifying the vehicle and driver.

WILDWOOD, Fla. - Wildwood Police are searching for the person who drove through Greenwood Cemetery.

"I was pissed. That's my grandma. You are a cold-hearted person who did this," said Jonie Taylor, granddaughter.

Wildwood Police say a driver plowed through the cemetery, located off Clyde Street, around 2:30 Wednesday morning, knocking down and dragging several headstones — including Taylor's grandmother's, Elsie Lou McAnally.

Wildwood Police investigate vandalism at Greenwood Cemetery, Jan. 8, 2025.

"My best friend. My everything. Hope whoever is responsible gets caught," said Taylor.

Other family members who visited the cemetery on Thursday to see the damage expressed sadness and anger.

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"Negligence of someone driving recklessly around a gravesite," said Kayla Stover.

Police released images of the vehicle, which appears to be an SUV.

Wildwood Police are searching for the person who drove through Greenwood Cemetery.

Wildwood Police are searching for the person who drove through Greenwood Cemetery.

The family says they are working to repair the headstone but hope the person responsible comes forward.

"Even if this is an accident — speak out. If anyone knows anything, speak up. If this was your family member, you'd want someone to do the same," said Taylor.

The Wildwood Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a vehicle and its occupants involved in a hit-and-run incident that caused property damage. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Wildwood Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Wildwood Police Department.

 

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