Family In Temple Distraught After Headstones Vanish From Belton Cemetery

One family in Temple, Texas is currently wondering how the headstones of two important people were taken without their knowledge. How did this even happen? Here's what is known at the time of writing.

Kellie Sylvester Discovers A Problem At North Belton Cemetery

As revealed by KCEN, Kellie Sylvester went to North Belton Cemetery to visit the graves of her parents, Charles M. Beistel and Shirley Sue Beistel. But when she arrived, the headstones of the graves had simply vanished somehow, telling KCEN:

“I know exactly where it’s at, and the markers were not there...The headstones were not there. Who would take them? You put people to rest in a cemetery and think nothing’s going to happen, and then this happens. Why?”

Read More: Tracking The Latest Cattle Theft Incidents Across Central Texas

The headstones not only had personal value, but significant value as well. For Charles Beistel, the headstone displayed his military rank after serving for 21 years. For Shirley Beistel, the headstone was personally crafted by a friend of the family.

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So when the theft of the headstones occur?

Stealing Of The Headstones Occurs Earlier Than Some Would Expect

KCEN reports that when Sylvester reached out to the cemetery, the discovery was made that the theft wasn't recent. It actually happened two months ago, but the cemetery didn't reach out to Sylvester to say what happened, and that the only thing the family could do is pay for new headstones.

Because of the theft, the family started a GoFundMe to get the funds necessary to bring back the headstones. But Sylvester said to KCEN about the missing headstones:

“If you know who did it, please, I’m begging you — from a daughter — please let me know."

If you'd like to donate to the GoFundMe, you can do so by clicking here.