Police Seeking Information on Vandalism at Local Cemetery

HATE CRIME INVESTIGATION: On Sunday, March 17, 2019, at approximately 1:30 PM, Fall River Police responded to the Hebrew Cemetery located at 138 McMahon Street in regard to gravestones that were vandalized and damaged with swastikas and Anti-Semitic phrases. The initial discovery of the damage was found by a cemetery maintenance worker.

On Sunday, March 17, 2019, at approximately 4:00 PM, Fall River Police were called to respond to the area of 138 McMahon Street to speak with a neighbor of the cemetery that had seen a suspicious vehicle parked in the cemetery on two separate occasions. Police investigated the incident and also located a vehicle parked in the cemetery. After an investigation, this vehicle was not related to the crimes committed.

It appears that the original incident occurred sometime on March 16, 2019, based on the initial investigation or the early morning hours of March 17, 2019. Approximately 25 gravestones were marked with Anti-Semitic words, phrases and some stones were also pushed over. The stones were marked using a black magic marker. A full canvas of the cemetery is being conducted to identify all areas of vandalism and calculate a more accurate number.

The investigation is being led by Major Crimes Division Sergeant Tom Mauretti and Detective Moses Pereira. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact them at 508-324-2796. Anonymous TIPS are also accepted by calling 508-672-TIPS.

A reward is being offered to anyone that provides information that leads to the apprehension of the suspect(s).

The Fall River Police was contacted by Nora Cohen of the Anti-Defamation League of New England (https://newengland.adl.org/)who are offering a $1500 reward in addition to the reward offered by the Fall River Police.