Weather 
COMPTON, Calif. () — Another disturbing criminal act was reported at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens Cemetery in Compton.
The owner says someone stabbed three of her guard dogs on Friday after breaking onto the property to steal. One of the dogs did not survive.
This is the latest in a string of incidents dating back several years, including vandalism and thefts of headstones and metal plaques.
SEE ALSO: Dozen headstones stolen from Compton cemetery: ‘This is wrong on all levels’
The owner of a Compton cemetery feels helpless after about a dozen headstones were stolen.
The owner, who has fought to preserve the historic cemetery, says she has finally reached her breaking point and is now putting the property up for sale.
Woodlawn Celestial Gardens is the final resting place of 18 Civil War veterans and is a Los Angeles County landmark. Eyewitness News has reported on thefts at the site since 2024.
Earlier this year, owner Celestina Bishop told Eyewitness News that about 1,600 headstones and plaques have been damaged or stolen from the property since 2023.
READ MORE: 1,600 headstones, plaques stolen or damaged in repeat thefts at historic Compton cemetery
It keeps happening — headstones and plaques vandalized and stolen from graves at the Woodlawn Celestial Gardens. The caretaker believes the thieves are after the bronze or copper.
The cemetery released the following statement:
“Today, Woodlawn Celestial Gardens experienced yet another devastating act of violence and violation.
An individual broke onto the property in an attempt to steal equipment and remove metal headstones. During this criminal act, multiple stab wounds were inflicted, resulting in the tragic loss of one of my dogs, who was not only a protector of these sacred grounds, but a member of my family.
This is not an isolated incident. Woodlawn has endured ongoing theft of memorial headstones, repeated trespassing, verbal attacks from members of the community, and a continued lack of transparency and meaningful support from local, county, state, and federal entities, despite Woodlawn’s name being repeatedly referenced or affiliated with legislation.
The emotional, financial, and reputational toll has been overwhelming. I have poured my heart, resources, and commitment into preserving this historic cemetery, honoring those laid to rest, and serving the community with dignity. I made a promise to never place debt on this property, and I have upheld that promise.
However, after exhausting every effort within my power, this most recent tragedy has become the breaking point.
Effective immediately, Woodlawn Celestial Gardens will be placed on the market and will begin accepting offers as of April 11, 2026.
It has always been my intention to preserve Woodlawn as a cemetery, and it remains my hope that any future ownership will continue to honor its sacred purpose.
If I am to walk away, it is only because I have truly tried everything.
Thank you to those who have supported, stood by, and respected the mission of Woodlawn Celestial Gardens.”
© 2026 Television,
