Two suspects that reportedly used a mutilated deer while vandalizing 3 cemeteries in Fortuna have been apprehended on Halloween Eve.
Two Suspects Arrested After Vandalizing Three Local Cemeteries.
On October 30, 2011 at 5:30pm, Officers with the Fortuna Police Department responded to the Rohnerville Catholic Cemetery (1715 Rohnerville Road) for a report of two subjects vandalizing several areas of the cemetery.
Upon arrival, officers located 22 year old James McMinn and 22 year old Margaret Lopez both of Fortuna. While on scene, officers also spoke with a witness who had confronted McMinn during the vandalism at which point McMinn brandished a knife and threatened witness
During the investigation, officer located items on one of the suspects and obtained information leading officers to believe that the suspects had also been at the I00f Cemetery (5254 Rohnerville Road) and the Mason Cemetery (5266 Rohnerville Road).
While searching one of the suspects, officers located parts to a mutilated deer. The remaining portion of the animal was later located at one of the other involved cemeteries.
Officers continued their investigation and located much more extensive damage at both of these cemeteries.
Preliminary estimates show damage cost in excess of $30,000.00.
Both suspects were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
McMinn was booked for:
• Felony Vandalism to a Cemetery
• Vandalism to items of Historical Value
• Brandishing
• Felony Threats
• Assault and Battery
Lopes was booked for:
• Felony Vandalism to a Cemetery
• Vandalism to items of Historical Value
The assault victim was treated and released from Redwood Memorial Hospital.
This investigation is ongoing and the department would like anyone who witnessed the incident to call the Fortuna Police Department.
All three cemeteries are managed by the Fortuna Cemetery District.
Photographs Available via the Department’s Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/Fortunapolice
Upon arrival, officers located 22 year old James McMinn and 22 year old Margaret Lopez both of Fortuna. While on scene, officers also spoke with a witness who had confronted McMinn during the vandalism at which point McMinn brandished a knife and threatened witness
During the investigation, officer located items on one of the suspects and obtained information leading officers to believe that the suspects had also been at the I00f Cemetery (5254 Rohnerville Road) and the Mason Cemetery (5266 Rohnerville Road).
While searching one of the suspects, officers located parts to a mutilated deer. The remaining portion of the animal was later located at one of the other involved cemeteries.
Officers continued their investigation and located much more extensive damage at both of these cemeteries.
Preliminary estimates show damage cost in excess of $30,000.00.
Both suspects were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
McMinn was booked for:
• Felony Vandalism to a Cemetery
• Vandalism to items of Historical Value
• Brandishing
• Felony Threats
• Assault and Battery
Lopes was booked for:
• Felony Vandalism to a Cemetery
• Vandalism to items of Historical Value
The assault victim was treated and released from Redwood Memorial Hospital.
This investigation is ongoing and the department would like anyone who witnessed the incident to call the Fortuna Police Department.
All three cemeteries are managed by the Fortuna Cemetery District.
Photographs Available via the Department’s Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/Fortunapolice