Two Arrested, Third Suspect Sought After Dozens of Cemetery Grave Vases Stolen for Scrap in Chatham County

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Two people have been arrested and a third remains wanted after investigators say decorative metal vases were stolen from graves at a Chatham County cemetery and sold for scrap, leaving grieving families with damaged headstones.

According to the Chatham County Police Department, the investigation began on July 1, 2026, after a worker at Magnolia Memorial Gardens, located off Silk Hope Road, reported seeing two women removing flower vases from headstones before walking into a nearby wooded area.

Investigators determined the stolen metal vases were later sold for scrap.

Two Arrested, One Still Wanted

Police have identified three suspects in the case.

Alicia Hart, 39, has been arrested and charged with Felony Theft by Taking.

Kenneth Jenks, 47, has been arrested and charged with Felony Theft by Receiving Stolen Property.

Authorities are still searching for Doris Friday, 35, who has been charged with Felony Theft by Taking.

Investigation Finds Up to 150 Grave Vases Missing

While police were first notified of the thefts on July 1, investigators now believe the problem extends much further.

According to the investigation, as many as 150 metal flower vases may have been stolen from headstones at Magnolia Memorial Gardens over the past 18 months.

The decorative vases are commonly mounted to headstones and can cost families thousands of dollars to install.

Police Condemn the Theft

“Damaging a gravesite for profit is a reprehensible act that we will not stand for,” said Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley.

“Victims tell us it cost them several thousand dollars to add one of these vases to the gravestone of a loved one. For someone to remove those and sell them for scrap is a horrible crime that adds to the heartache of a grieving family.”

Public Asked to Help Locate Wanted Suspect

The investigation remains active, and police are asking anyone with information about Doris Friday’s whereabouts or the cemetery thefts to come forward.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Chatham County Police Department mobile app or online tip form. Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020, where they can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

The Chatham County Police Department said it is the lead investigative agency handling the case.