On the evening of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, between approximately 7:30 and 8:00 PM, an act of vandalism occurred at the Cookeville City Cemetery. Initial reports indicated eight headstones had been knocked over or damaged. As of Wednesday morning, an additional 15 damaged headstones have been identified, bringing the total to 23. Vases and flowers were also taken down from gravesites.
The Cookeville Police Department responded to the original call and notified the City of Cookeville Leisure Services. No witnesses have come forward at this time, and no individuals were observed at the site during the incident. An investigation is currently ongoing.
Anyone who may have seen activity in the area during that time or who may have relevant information is encouraged to contact the Cookeville Police Department.
Rick Garrison, Cemetery Foreman with the City of Cookeville, shared,
"This cemetery is a place of rest, remembrance, and respect. Seeing this kind of damage is disheartening, not just for those of us who care for these grounds every day, but for the families and community members who trust us to maintain them.”
We ask for the community’s awareness and involvement in helping maintain the integrity of our public spaces.
Contact
Cookeville Police Department
Phone: (931) 526-2125
1019 Neal St., Cookeville, TN 38501