Titusville Police Arrest New York Man Accused of Vandalizing Two Funeral Homes, Damaging Hearses With Axe
By Space Coast Daily // August 7, 2026
BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Titusville Police arrested a 60-year-old New York man Friday after investigators said he vandalized hearses at two local funeral homes in what authorities described as a targeted, isolated incident.
John Edward Dietsch, who police said has former ties to Titusville, was arrested at approximately 11:27 a.m. on Friday, August 7, following reports of vandalism at North Brevard Funeral Home and Lewis Ray Mortuary.
Police responded to reports from North Brevard Funeral Home, located at 1450 Norwood Avenue, and Lewis Ray Mortuary, located at 1595 South Hopkins Avenue.
According to the Titusville Police Department, vehicles at the funeral homes sustained significant damage, including stabbed tires, smashed windows and scratched paint.
Investigators collected surveillance footage from both locations that allegedly showed a suspect arriving in a dark-colored SUV and committing multiple acts of vandalism to hearses.
Police said one piece of surveillance footage showed an unmasked man walking directly toward a camera while holding what appeared to be an axe and a cell phone.
Investigators identified the man in the footage as Dietsch.
Officers subsequently located Dietsch at the Three Oaks Motel in Room 19, where he surrendered without incident, according to police.
Authorities said an axe possibly used during the vandalism was discovered inside Dietsch’s vehicle. The SUV was towed to the Titusville Police Department as investigators continued processing evidence in the case.
Dietsch was charged with two counts of felony criminal mischief involving damage valued at more than $3,500.
