The Austin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the vandalism of the historic Concord Cemetery, located in northern Austin County near Kenney, Texas. The damage occurred sometime between October 9 and October 30, 2025, leaving eight tombstones damaged or destroyed. The estimated cost of repairs and replacements totals nearly $96,000.
The cemetery, founded in 1870 by the Concord Christian Church, holds deep historical significance for the region. It sits on 3.4 acres of land and serves as the final resting place for early Austin County settlers, Civil War veterans, and families who helped establish the Kenney area. The earliest known grave belongs to Dr. Buell Eastman (1807–1870), a Confederate veteran and early Austin County resident.
Other notable individuals buried there include John Wesley Collins (1804–1882), one of the cemetery’s founders, and members of pioneer families such as Creath, Bouldin, Dabney, Eastman, and McNutt. The last recorded burial occurred in 1973, when Arthur Guy McNutt was laid to rest beside his wife. Over the decades, local volunteers have worked to preserve the site, clearing overgrowth and restoring markers lost to time.
Authorities stress that vandalizing or desecrating a cemetery is a serious crime in Texas. Under Texas Penal Code §28.03, the act constitutes criminal mischief — a charge that can rise to a third-degree felony when the damage exceeds $30,000. Convictions at this level carry penalties of:
- 2 to 10 years in prison, and
- Fines of up to $10,000.
Additionally, Texas Health & Safety Code §711.041 prohibits intentionally damaging, defacing, or destroying any cemetery or grave marker. When the site is designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery, as Concord was in 2011, the offense can also be prosecuted under laws protecting historic landmarks and cultural heritage.
The Austin County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward. Even small details—such as noticing suspicious activity or vehicles near the area during October—could help investigators.
Austin County Sheriff’s Office: (979) 865-3111
Austin County Crime Stoppers: (979) 221-7179
Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that Concord Cemetery is not just a burial ground, but a piece of Austin County’s story—preserving the memory of the pioneers who shaped the region. Community members are encouraged to share information and help protect this important link to the county’s past.
