Veteran increases reward money for information on memorial vandalism

A local resident and Vietnam War veteran donated $500 with the hope of learning who vandalized the Veterans Memorial Park in Las Cruces.

Las Cruces Police discovered four letters from the message stating “Vietnam War Memorial – Heroes Never Thanked” were removed the morning of May 27, 2018. Some of the windows in the Huey helicopter mounted high above the wall had also been shattered.

At the time of the vandalism, ABC-7 spoke with the man who designed the memorial. J. Joe Martinez and his wife Arlene were visibly disappointed. “Now that we’ve taken the time to let them know that they were worthwhile and we do appreciate what they went through, somebody has the audacity to open up all those wounds again by doing this,” Martinez said.

Las Cruces Crime Stoppers had previously offered a reward up to $1,000. With the donation, the reward money now stands at $1,500 for anyone who can help identify the person responsible for the damage.

Anyone with information on the vandalism can call Las Cruces Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Tips can also be provided through the Las Cruces Crime Stoppers app “P3 TIPS.” The app is available through the App Store on most devices.