LA PORTE, Ind. — Authorities in La Porte County have arrested two individuals in connection with the theft of bronze grave markers from veterans’ headstones at multiple cemeteries across Indiana, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.
Following an investigation launched last month, police arrested 53-year-old Terry Wood after a tip from a local resident helped identify him as a suspect. The investigation was prompted after grave markers began disappearing from cemeteries, including Union Mills, Rolling Prairie, Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood, and St. Stan’s. At least 15 markers were confirmed stolen, with one damaged during an attempted theft, officials said.
The Sheriff’s Office revealed that the tip came after they encouraged residents to visit the graves of veterans to check for missing markers. Investigators, including a military veteran, worked on the case, which led deputies to Wood’s residence, where additional evidence was reportedly found.
Authorities have not released details on the second individual arrested or further information on the charges filed.