Reward Offered In Ft. Snelling Grave Desecration

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Hennepin County Sheriff is releasing more information and offering a reward of up to $10,000 to find the people responsible for desecrating a veteran's grave site.

On the morning of July 12 a maintenance worker at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery found the grave of Edward John Redhead disturbed.

Redhead is a World War II veteran and he was buried at the grave in 1971.

"This case involves a man who served his country with honor, and who was resting in peace for four decades," said Sheriff Rich Stanek. "Those facts alone should inspire you to pick up the phone and help us get this case solved."

Stanek says police will offer a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest or conviction. Half of the reward is being offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.

Investigators believe more than one person is involved. A folding knife with a black handle and a 3-inch blade was found a few headstones away from Redhead's grave. The name "Wally" is inscribed on the handle.

Deputies say security camera footage is being examined, but they wouldn't go into any detail. Police did say it looked like the suspects used shovels to open the grave.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office at (763) 525-6216. Or you can call anonymously at CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS.