Compton Cemetery Owner Sells Property After Violent Dog Attack

Celestina Bishop decides to sell Woodlawn Cemetery after years of theft and vandalism culminate in a deadly attack on her guard dogs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:19am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged cemetery gate lock, its metal surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conveying a sense of gritty investigation into the crime scene.The violent attack on Celestina Bishop's guard dogs at Woodlawn Cemetery exposes the ongoing challenges facing small, independent burial grounds.Los Angeles Today

The owner of Woodlawn Cemetery in Compton, California, Celestina Bishop, has decided to sell the property after years of dealing with theft and vandalism, including a recent violent attack where an intruder stabbed her three guard dogs, killing one. Bishop, who has a personal connection to the cemetery where her mother and sisters are buried, has struggled to maintain the grounds and fend off trespassers despite increased security measures.

Why it matters

The attack on Bishop's dogs highlights the ongoing challenges facing small, independent cemetery owners who are tasked with preserving historic burial grounds in the face of persistent criminal activity. Woodlawn Cemetery serves as a memorial site for military veterans, some dating back to the Civil War, making the property's deterioration and owner's decision to sell all the more tragic.

The details

On Friday, an intruder trespassed onto the Woodlawn Cemetery property and stabbed Celestina Bishop's three cane corso guard dogs, named Zeus, Ghost, and Ro Ro. Ro Ro died from the attack, while the other two dogs are still recovering from their injuries. Bishop said the violent incident was the final straw that convinced her to put the cemetery up for sale, even though she has a deep personal connection to the site where her mother and sisters are buried.

  • On Friday, an intruder stabbed Celestina Bishop's three guard dogs at Woodlawn Cemetery.
  • Ro Ro, one of the dogs, died from the attack.
  • Bishop has dealt with years of theft and vandalism at the cemetery, including thieves stealing headstones and precious metal plaques.

The players

Celestina Bishop

The owner of Woodlawn Cemetery in Compton, California, who has decided to sell the property after years of dealing with theft, vandalism, and a recent violent attack on her guard dogs.

Billie Collier

Celestina Bishop's mother, who is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery. Collier and Bishop's sisters were murdered in 1977, when Bishop was just a baby.

Zeus, Ghost, and Ro Ro

Celestina Bishop's three cane corso guard dogs, who were stabbed by an intruder on the Woodlawn Cemetery property. Ro Ro died from the attack, while the other two dogs are still recovering.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the attack on Celestina Bishop's guard dogs at Woodlawn Cemetery.

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What they’re saying

“My dogs yesterday, perhaps me tomorrow. That's my worry. Is Woodlawn worth me dying?”

— Celestina Bishop, Owner, Woodlawn Cemetery

“We wanted people to respect the grounds, and it seems like that is the most far-fetched thing that has happened to Woodlawn. These dogs didn't deserve that. They're good dogs.”

— Celestina Bishop, Owner, Woodlawn Cemetery

What’s next

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating the attack on Celestina Bishop's guard dogs at Woodlawn Cemetery.

The takeaway

The tragic attack on Celestina Bishop's guard dogs at Woodlawn Cemetery highlights the ongoing challenges facing small, independent cemetery owners who are tasked with preserving historic burial grounds in the face of persistent criminal activity. Bishop's decision to sell the property after years of theft, vandalism, and now violence underscores the need for greater protections and support for these sacred community spaces.