Police are investigating the vandalism of street signs in Cumberland County dedicated to a deceased child.
Back in 2010, 13-month-old Joshua Bateman died of a rare genetic disorder called MPS1, also known as Hurler Syndrome. After his death, the boy’s parents, Karen and Wilbert, adopted a stretch of Main Street near Hunters Mill Road in Maurice River Township. Every month they pick up trash left on the road. A year ago signs were put up on the road in memory of their son. On Sunday, those signs were found covered with red spray-paint.
“We couldn’t figure out what kind of person would do something so low,” said Karen.
“It’s very upsetting to hear someone did this, just for us to have something in his name,” said Wilbert.
The family is unsure if the Cumberland County Improvement Authority will charge them to replace the spray-painted signs. For now, they’re offering a $100 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible.
“Hopefully justice will be done,” said Karen. “Maybe as a punishment have them clean the road instead of us doing it.”
