2 Men Charged with Stealing More Than 100 Bronze Vases from Graves at Maryland Cemetery

Two men have been charged in Maryland after reportedly making off with an extensive number of bronze vases from a local cemetery, valued at approximately $100,000. Trey Franklin Mason, 25, and David Anthony Downing, 34, are accused of stealing over 100 vases from Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf, a town roughly 23 miles south-southeast of Washington, D.C.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office detailed that the thefts occurred during two separate periods: from June 8 to June 21, and again from July 4 to July 6. Authorities became aware of the situation following the discovery of a van parked close to the cemetery late on July 8, which led to their subsequent investigation.

At the time of their arrest, Mason and Downing were allegedly involved in another attempt to steal vases. Officers observed garbage bins filled with the stolen items when they responded to the scene, raising suspicions about the individuals’ activities. Mason was apprehended at a motel that evening, while Downing was arrested shortly afterwards, on July 16, as investigators gathered more evidence.

The investigation revealed that many of the stolen vases had been taken to a local scrap metal recycling facility. Officials believe the two were attempting to sell the vases rather than return them to their rightful places in the cemetery. Fortunately, authorities recovered the vases before they could be processed or melted down, with an estimated value exceeding $100,000.

The thefts had left several families devastated. Maddie Shotwell, who regularly visits her father’s and grandparents’ resting places at Trinity Memorial Gardens, recounted her heartbreak upon realising some of the family’s memorial items had been stolen. The cemetery had sent her a letter notifying her of the theft of a vase from their memorial. When her fiancé uncovered the absence of both her father’s and grandparents’ vases, Shotwell expressed profound sorrow, stating, “I cried because it was just overwhelming.”

Following the distressing event, Shotwell instead focused on investigating the missing vases, diverting her attention from wedding planning to finding out what had happened. She has expressed her intention to attend the trials of Mason and Downing, indicating a strong desire for justice.

Mason and Downing are facing multiple charges, including theft scheme, destruction of property, and fraud. Both are currently being held without bond as the legal proceedings continue.

Diane Richardson from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office emphasised the importance of closing this case for the affected families. She noted how consistent pressurised checks carried out by detectives ultimately resulted in the arrest of the suspects. “Their hunches paid off,” Richardson stated, highlighting the assistance that the community’s vigilance provided.

As the investigation proceeds and the legal situation develops, local residents undoubtedly await the outcome, hoping for accountability for the significant emotional distress caused by these thefts. The community’s response reflects a united front against such crimes as they seek to ensure that the memories of loved ones are respected and protected.