A shocking display of vandalism at a Brooklyn cemetery has police looking for three teens responsible for desecrating dozens of graves.
Police say the teenagers seen above are responsible for bringing chaos to what is supposed to be a peaceful final resting place.
It all started just after midnight Tuesday, when police say the teens snuck into the Cypress Hills Cemetery, knocking over and spray painting vulgarities onto headstones, damaging more than 70 in total, while stopping to pose for selfies along the way.
"I've never in my career seen the amount of damage that was caused at this one location," said Detective Michael Diaz of the NYPD. "It was very shocking."
Diaz is investigating the case for the NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force. He says beyond what appears to be graffiti tag names and nonsensical words, the vandals sprayed a multitude of deragatory slurs and curse words.
"Some of the messages were messages of hate. Some anti-Asian, anti-Chinese statements, as well as anti-gay, anti-black, even anti-police statements," Diaz said.
Diaz says they're investigating this crime as a burglary rather than just criminal mischief and trepass because the suspects broke into a masoleum, damaging the marble and spray painting inside.
There are also reports of the vandals defacating on a grave.
"Regardless of what religion you are, what practice, what skin color, sexual oreintation, people come here to put their loved ones to rest," Diaz said.
Our cameras were not allowed inside of the cemetery, but workers gave us a tour. Most of the damage has already been cleaned up.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-8477. All calls are anonymous, and there is a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. In addition, the cemetery is offering a $5,000 reward.