State police are investigating vandalism at a cemetery as a hate crime.
The News Journal of Wilmington reports the Foreman-Massey Cemetery, which is run by the Byrd's African Methodist Episcopal Church in Clayton, was vandalized sometime over the weekend.
Headstones at the cemetery were defaced with spray paint and left with vulgar messages. Some grave markers were defaced and damaged and one was knocked over. Another had its foundation kicked in. Wayfinding signs were covered in spray-painted messages and swastikas.
Master Corporal Gary Fournier says the investigation is ongoing. No suspects have yet been named.
Bernard H. Williams Sr., head trustee at the church, says a sign outside the church was vandalized with a swastika and racially charged messages more than a year ago.
