By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Families have reported thefts from two graves at the Munjor Cemetery.
Chelsea Dickey, a Munjor resident, said several items were stolen from her son Colton's grave before Easter. The family has yet to purchase a headstone, and Colton's marker was taken out of the ground.
The thief or thieves also took solar lights, a cross, a cardinal, decorative initials, a Christmas tree, and memorial stones left by friends and family.
"They totally came out there and cleaned house," Dickey said.
Another family whose loved one is buried at the cemetery had their father's rosary and a limestone rock stolen from a grave.
Ellis County Commissioner Neal Younger helps do maintenance at the cemetery and said the items had not been disturbed during maintenance.
The thefts were reported to the Ellis County Sheriff's Office.
Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said Monday the case is under investigation. The two graves are the only ones he knew to be affected. Braun said officers believe juveniles might have been involved in the thefts.
Braun said the sheriff's office has increased patrols in the area since the incident. No further thefts have been reported, he said.
Dickey said the items had sentimental value to her family. She said she hoped whoever took the items would return them.