By Ashley Yarchin

Granite City, IL (KSDK) - He was only four hours old when he died, and as his mother continues to grieve the loss a year later, vandals seemingly won't let the boy rest in peace.

St. John's Cemetery in Granite City is where many are able to find solace.

"I mean, I talk to him as if he was here," explained Julia Campbell. "I always kiss his picture on his headstone and tell him, have a good day, I'll see you soon."

She stops by every morning and, as promised, returns in the evenings.

"He was born at 9:01, and he passed away at 2:15," Campbell recalled.

So, the mother did what she could to preserve the memory of little Parker Levi and set up a place just for him.

"It's like his little nursery is what it is to me, and when someone's stealing off of it, it just breaks my heart," she said.

That's right. Someone has been stealing Parker's mementos and trashing the area around his grave. In fact, Thursday was the second time that happened.

"I promised I wouldn't let anybody hurt him and then people keep coming out here and messing with his stuff, and it's just like they're hurting him, and I'm breaking promises after promises to him, and I hate that," Campbell said as tears ran down her cheeks.

Now, she has filed police reports for that happened to her son's grave site but it turns out, Parker may not be the only victim.

"It's our responsibility to take care of that person even though they're not here," said Jerry Crossno.

He and his wife visit their first granddaughter's grave site quite often and have seen the same problems.

"When someone comes into a place like this and they steal from people that are at rest, the people that are here for the people that are at rest can't rest," he added.

And so, they ask the vandals to give it a rest, so that each of them, and so many others, can keep their promises to protect in peace.

If you or someone you know can help solve these crimes, you're asked to call CrimeStoppers at (866)317-TIPS.

 

KSDK