COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – One of three suspects charged in connection with the March 2018 vandalism at Oak Grove North Cemetery in Coldwater waived his preliminary exam in Branch County District Court Tuesday and had his case bound over to Circuit Court.
20-year old Christopher Palmerton, Junior of Battle Creek is charged with malicious damage and conspiracy to damage tombstones, both 10 year felonies. He is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference in Branch County Circuit Court June 11, 2018.
When Palmerton was arrested, he was living in Battle Creek where he reportedly moved to from Coldwater shortly after the vandalism.
As for the other defendants, the case of 19-year-old William Vanness of Coldwater has also been bound over to Branch County Circuit Court. He is facing the same charges as Palmerton.
18-year old Jonathon Siler of Coldwater is facing two counts of malicious destruction of property over $20,000 to memorials and tombstones. His case is still working its way through Branch County District Court.
More than 100 tombstones and grave markers were damaged or destroyed.
