Unknown Suspect Damages 41 Headstones at Manhattan Cemetery

Police are investigating a criminal desecration report at a Leavenworth Street cemetery where $16,400 in damage was estimated.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Property Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a single chipped upright stone standing alone in an open field under a pale sky, evoking quiet loss. — Police are investigating a criminal desecration at a Manhattan cemetery on Leavenworth Street, where an unknown person toppled 41 headstones and caused an estimated $16,400 in damage. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

An unknown individual knocked down and damaged 41 headstones at a cemetery in the 2000 block of Leavenworth Street, according to a criminal desecration report made shortly before 8:55 a.m. on Nov. 4. The City of Manhattan is listed as the victim, and the damage is estimated at $16,400.

Why it matters

The vandalism affects a public cemetery serving Manhattan residents and families who visit graves there. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward to help identify the person responsible.

The Riley County Police Department is investigating the incident as criminal desecration, with the City of Manhattan listed as victim. No suspect has been identified, and police are seeking tips through the RCPD or Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers.

The players

Riley County Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating criminal activity in Riley County, including the cemetery incident in Manhattan.

Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers

A community tip program that accepts anonymous information to help solve crimes in Manhattan and Riley County.

The details

An unknown individual knocked down and damaged 41 headstones at the cemetery on Leavenworth Street. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is asked to contact the RCPD or send an anonymous tip to Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers.

Nov. 4: Criminal desecration report made shortly before 8:55 a.m. in the 2000 block of Leavenworth Street.

Legal Context

The case is being handled as criminal desecration, a charge that applies specifically to damage to graves and burial sites under Kansas law. Vandalism of cemeteries is typically prosecuted under this provision when the property is publicly owned.

Residents who visit the Leavenworth Street cemetery may find damaged headstones and should report any further vandalism to police. Anyone with information about the incident can help investigators by contacting the RCPD or Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers.

The takeaway

Damage to public property like cemeteries can be reported anonymously, and tips from the community often help police identify those responsible. Residents who notice vandalism should report it promptly.