According to investigators, Randy Brinson told officers that someone connected to one of the victims in the crash paid him to fell the tree. His first attempt on August 21 failed. He came back during the day on August 26 and brought the tree down, right in front of people out enjoying their lunch and others passing through the park. Witnesses described what happened, and police cross-checked their accounts with data from nearby surveillance cameras to confirm Brinson’s identity.

Brinson faces charges of criminal mischief for causing more than $1,000 in damage. And while the city works out how to replace the tree and restore Patriots Park, Venice Police Captain Eric Hill had a clear message: “We understand that grief takes many forms, but tearing down public property—especially at a memorial—just isn’t okay. We will hold anyone responsible for acts like this accountable.”

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