DNA solves Leon cemetery vandalism
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Authorities say DNA evidence has solved a case involving vandalism to a veterans’ memorial and gravestones at a Leon cemetery last August.
Damage to the Leon Cemetery was reported to police on August 18. Five headstones, along with the memorial had been damaged. In February, Police Chief Julie Gfeller said they learned DNA evidence collected at the scene had matched to 35-year-old Travis Toney of Davis City.
Authorities said Toney provided a written statement admitting to the damage. The criminal complaint says, “Toney said he wanted to admit to what he had done at the cemetery and to begin repaying his debt to society.”
The total damage to the cemetery was estimated at between $750 and $1,500.
Toney is now charged with third-degree criminal mischief in the case. He’s currently under the supervision of the Iowa Department of Corrections in a separate criminal case.