Detectives from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office contacted juveniles at the Hillsdale High School in Ashland on Nov. 6 in response to an anonymous tip. The juveniles were contacted in regard to the vandalism at Mary Jane’s Grave located on Tucker Road in Lucas in which a tree was cut down and headstones were damaged.
Multiple juveniles gave corroborating statements in regard to the incident. The juvenile who cut down the tree was contacted at his residence along with a parent. He admitted to the incident, and provided a statement.
The chainsaw that was used was confiscated as evidence, and submitted to the Richland County Crime Lab. Multiple juveniles have been identified as being involved in the incident. The Richland County Detective Bureau has started scheduling interviews in regard to the vandalism.
One juvenile allegedly posted a video of the incident to his Snapchat. Detectives are working on recovering the video.
The juvenile suspects already contacted do not have residency in Richland County. When the investigation is completed, those juveniles who do not live in Richland County will have their case forwarded to their juvenile court. A juvenile who does not reside in Richland County normally has criminal charges sent to their county of residence.
Sheriff Steve Sheldon thanks the public for calling in the anonymous tip. He praised detectives for following up on the information and solving the crime within 24 hours of receiving information.
