Stolen headstone recovered after arrest in Apopka cemetery vandalism case

Deshawn Russell, 19, arrested on grand theft, other charges

APOPKA, Fla. – Police in Apopka have arrested a man in connection with the vandalism of one headstone and the theft of another last weekend at Apopka’s Edgewood Cemetery.

Police say DeShawn Russell, 19, was arrested on charges of felony criminal mischief/damaging a burial headstone and grand theft.

The headstone for 6-year-old Camari Dennison’s grave was damaged on Sept. 2 at Edgewood Cemetery. Camari was killed in 2017 when he was hit by a vehicle.

The headstone next to Camari’s was stolen. That was for the grave of Camari’s brother, 20-year-old Carneilous Dennison, who was shot and killed in 2018.

In addition to finding Carneilous’ gravestone, police say they also seized several firearms.

Police say video provided by the community led to Russell’s arrest.

The investigation remains open and active, and additional charges and arrests may forthcoming, police said.

Deshawn Russell. (Apopka Police Department)

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About the Author

Christie joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021.

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