MIAMI – Miami law enforcement arrested a man accused of destroying the tombstone of someone killed by a drunk driver. Investigators billed Brian Rodriguez, 24, with burglary, disturbing contents of a grave and legal mischief Thursday.
Law enforcement named it “a despicable act of vandalism and defacement.”
Video recorded someone spray painting a tombstone, cracking it with a hammer, and kicking down flowers.
Authorities mentioned the suspect shared photos of it all on Instagram, then tagged the sister of the gentleman whose grave was vandalized. That person died in a drunk driving crash with a few other individuals, together with Yuhlia Gelats-Medina on New Year’s Working day 2021.
“We are happy (law enforcement) arrested (Rodriguez),” Andres Medina advised CBS News Miami about the phone Thursday night.
Medina reported a person two times vandalized memorials for victims of the crash. Authorities did not cost Rodriguez for those people crimes.
“Enjoy usually wins,” Medina stated. “Hatred can arrive 20 situations but appreciate is likely to arrive 20 periods the day following.”
Five months ago, a video posted to Instagram by means of “a phony account” showed another person kicking a image and flowers future to a headstone at Woodland Park Cemetery in Minimal Havana, in accordance to courtroom documents.
The vandal also spray-painted the headstone, in accordance to court data.
The family of the gentleman buried there mentioned an unidentified man or woman tagged them so that the household could see the vandalism, in accordance to court information. The cemetery supervisor then set up a camera close to the victim’s enclosure, in accordance to court records.
In June, the victim’s spouse and children observed a second online video on Instagram, court docket information stated. Cameras recorded the crime and family members of the target recognized the suspect as Rodriguez, who is personally recognized by a close friend of the relatives, court records mentioned.
Police took a description of Rodriguez’s automobile and identified his mobile telephone amount. Burglary detectives invested months investigating. Right after examining information from Rodriguez’s cell mobile phone, authorities pinged his place to the cemetery, according to courtroom information.
Investigators introduced pictures of the crime as a warning that these types of vandalism will not go unpunished.
“This arrest marks a crucial step towards justice and sends a resounding message that acts of desecration will not be tolerated inside our group,” MPD spokesperson officer Kiara Delva explained in a statement.
