Mother upset after group claiming to honor her son vandalizes Shadyside businesses

PITTSBURGH — A mother is upset with the way her son is being remembered after a group claiming to be having a funeral procession vandalized several businesses in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood Friday night.

Investigators said officers first spotted the group, all dressed in dark clothing, on Liberty Avenue, holding candles as they walked on the sidewalk. When the officers stopped them, the group said they were having a funeral procession for their friend, Michael Vesch.

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However, authorities said once they reached Shadyside, the group put up fliers on Walnut Street that read, "Rest in Peace Mike V. Anarchy forever," and then began to smash windows.

Aileen Bunce, Vesch's mother, said, "I do feel like it's disgraceful. How dare you use my son to destroy people's business. How dare you use that as an excuse."

Bunce told Channel 11's Jennifer Borrasso that her son stood up for causes, but is unsure of how he may have known those involved in Friday night's vandalism or why it was done.

"As far as this craziness in Shadyside was not Michael. He was a peace-loving person. What they did was on their own and not Michael," she said.

Damage was reported at several stores, including Banana Republic and Sephora, as well as Thai Place restaurant.

"It was terrifying," said Miranda Leanos, a waitress at Thai Place. "I was carrying food out, and then I heard like a loud bang noise and the other waitress in front of me dropped down behind a table and I thought there was like a shooting or something, so I dropped down and then it went away after that and we realized that the window had been knocked out."

The protesters reportedly were all wearing masks at the time of the vandalism spree.

Pittsburgh police said the group of about 30 people left behind tens of thousands of dollars' worth of damage.

"There is no reason to do that much damage, just craziness," said Lynn Jacobson.

No arrests have been made, according to Pittsburgh police. Surveillance video is being reviewed to identify those involved.

Authorities said when identified, the vandals will face charges.

WPXI