Crews testing chemicals to remove stains from vandalized Boston memorials

BOSTON — As police continue to investigate, a stain removal company is trying to remove deep stains from local memorials doused in oil by vandals.

The World War II memorial in South Boston was vandalized on or after Saint Patrick's Day. While officials were working to clean that memorial, several memorials at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mattapan were vandalized in a similar way, including one which is dedicated to fallen Boston Police officers

Wednesday, a stain removal company started testing different chemicals designed to lift stains from the stone.

"There are some stains that actually come off within five minutes, but on this particular application, you got to put on some poultice products that are like peanut butter," said Ralph Morgan, Prosoco Representative.

>> MORE: Cleanup efforts continue at South Boston WWII memorial doused with oil

Morgan says it will take 24 hours before he knows much, but his efforts are already being recognized by people like Kellie Mullen, whose grandfather John fought to get the memorial built.

"I think it's amazing. It just shows what kind of community we are," said Mullen.

John Mullen, a World War II veteran, passed away Monday. The same day the stains were discovered.

"It would have broken his heart. He would have been devastated," said Mullen.

Mayor Marty Walsh said in a tweet that authorities are working to catch the persons responsible for the vandalism.

"These acts of vandalism will not be tolerated in our city. Together with the Boston Police, we will make sure anyone involved will be held responsible," Walsh said.

Wednesday morning in Mattapan, Boston Police were seen gathering evidence from the cemetery memorials. State Police are the lead investigators in South Boston. Investigators have not said if they think the incidents are connected.

>> MORE: Boston Police search for vandals who desecrated several cemetery memorials

On Thursday morning, crews will return to South Boston to check the test panels and see which chemical worked best. Then, the cleaning can begin.

If you have any information on either incident, you should call police.

Cox Media Group