Families furious after historic Black cemetery vandalized in Cocoa: 'Troublesome'

Families are furious after a historic cemetery in Cocoa was hit hard by vandals. 

First vandalism at the cemetery was observed in early January

What we know:

At least one grave was covered in red spray paint at Hilltop Cemetery just off U.S. in Cocoa, and throughout the cemetery other areas were also covered in red spray paint. 

When we were at the cemetery, FOX 35 saw it’s not just graves covered in spray paint. 

The pillars bordering the cemetery, trees and grave dividers were all covered in red paint on Monday.

What we don't know:

At this time, there’s been no word on an arrest, and families are concerned other graves could be in danger. 

What they're saying:

"My son said to me – look!," exclaimed Laura Brown, who was very shaken to see the damaged gravesite. 

Laura’s horrified because her mom, dad and husband are all laid to rest at Hilltop, which is Cocoa’s historic Black cemetery. 

"That’s all I really have besides my children," said Laura, noting how she first saw the vandalism when she came to see her parents for their birthday earlier this month. 

Laura visited the cemetery with her son Larry, who says they first notified the City of Cocoa about the vandalism on Jan. 3.

"I’d like the public records pulled. Was there a record recorded about that?," said Larry. 

They’re upset to see the grave still defiled nearly three weeks later.

"It’s like nobody cares, so I’d like to see some attention brought," added Laura. 

Laura isn't the only one bringing attention to this issue. 

"We’ve never come up here and seen this, never," said Helen Williams, who also has family buried at the cemetery. 

Helen says she first saw the vandalism on Jan. 10, visiting her mom and grandma. 

She says she reported the vandalism to the police.

"Why play with the dead? They can’t defend themselves. They don’t bother anybody," said Helen. 

These families are bothered by what happened, so FOX 35’s Esther Bower took their concerns to city leaders. 

"For people to denigrate graves of an all-Black cemetery just kind of troublesome for everybody in the community," said District 1 member of council, Alex Goins. 

Goins says he wants to see more lighting at the cemetery on Pine Street.

"Maybe some cameras, as well, to catch anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to come mess with these graves," said the council member. 

"It’s low. It’s about as low as you can get," said Laura. 

Helen is concerned her family's graves could be targeted, so she says, "instead of coming on holidays, I’ll be coming a lot more."

Families hope whoever did this is caught and brought to justice.

What's next:

We did reach out to the City of Cocoa about what they are doing to investigate. The city sent us a statement reading in part:

"We were made aware of graffiti on one of the grave sites in the cemetery. As soon as we were told, staff was on site to determine how we can correct it and we are working towards removing the graffiti. I do not have a date of completion at this point."

Neighbors want to see the graffiti cleaned up as fast as possible. 

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the City of Cocoa, city council members, and families of relatives buried at Hilltop Cemetery.

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