Memorial Tree For Murdered Longmont Couple Cut Down Again
LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - A memorial for a murdered Longmont couple has been vandalized for the second time.
A weeping willow tree was planted in the Prospect neighborhood after the couple's death in 2010. Sean and Staci Griffin owned Boulder Stove and Flooring and were gunned down by a disgruntled employee in the back room of their business.
Those who live near the memorial say someone cut the tree down on Tuesday night.
"Who could possibly, because of that, want to do something about it," neighbor Sam Kent said.
Family friend Kelly Graham says she was "sick, saddened and shocked," after hearing the news.
"We were hoping it was an accident, but this is not an accident," Graham said. "We want to help the police find who did this."
It's the second tree they've planted in the park. In October someone took a chainsaw to the tree and several others in the area. Graham rallied the community and together they were able to collect enough donations to replace the tree.
"The outpouring of love was just, 'Wow,'" she said.
After just two weeks in the ground vandals struck again leaving neighbors outraged.
"Last night somebody came and cut it down and that is really … that's creepy," Kent said.
Longmont police are investigating. Graham says she was told by investigators they believe the same person is behind both incidents. She and the community want the person responsible to know that they're cutting down more than just a tree.
"We don't know why the persons doing this ... but I would hope that they would learn the value of life," Graham said.
Additional Information From Kelly Graham
A generous neighbor has offered a $1,000 reward for the information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who cut down the tree in our downtown park, Avery's parent's memorial tree. If you have any information (small or large) please contact the police department at 303-651-8555 referencing case #: 15-10311.
Karen Morfitt Joined the CBS4 team as a reporter in 2013. She covers a variety of stories in and around metro Denver. Follow her on Twitter @karenmorfitt or email her tips.
