Walker                                   Russell                        Hill

The three men accused of destroying 40 tombstones at Rosedale Cemetery and vandalizing a Pembroke church reportedly said they did it “for fun.”

Christian County Sheriff’s Detective Ed Stokes interviewed 19-year old Phillip Walker and 20-year old James Russell of Pembroke and 19-year old George Hill of Hopkinsville after Pembroke Police Chief Mark Goforth received information that they could be involved Wednesday.

Detective Stokes says the three suspects admitted to being involved and couldn’t give a good explanations as to why.

Detective Stokes says he’s investigated a lot of crime in his time at the department, but vandalism at a cemetery is among the hardest to understand.

Police asked the suspects about possible satanic worship or rituals and Detective Stokes says he never received a yes or no answer.

The trio allegedly admitted to stealing a cross from the cemetery and throwing eggs at Pembroke Baptist Church in addition to the tombstone destruction. They also allegedly admitted to providing a 14-year old with illegal narcotics.

They face 40 counts of violating a gravesite, one count of theft by unlawful taking, criminal mischief and unlawful transaction with a minor. Stokes said more charges could still be filed.

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02/28/2013/am