Estate Planning

Modern-day Grave Robbing?

By Hull & Hull LLP

CNN recently reported disturbing events, whereby employees at a historic cemetery near Chicago allegedly dug up more than 300 graves as part of a conspiracy to resell burial plots to unsuspecting buyers.  

Reportedly, at least four people are in custody facing a slew of felony charges. Additionally, investigators are in the process of attempting to determine the scope of the scheme, and have brought in forensic scientists to help. It may not be an easy task since, among other things, it is possible that the employees doctored records to conceal the scheme.  

While most of the excavations reportedly occurred in back lots, where the plots were older and not frequently visited, they are not certain of this. Other plots may have been disturbed as well.

Investigators are faced with the unenviable task of trying to find the families of those whose graves were disinterred, as well as those people who unknowingly purchased occupied plots. They are expected to use thermal imaging to assist their efforts.

A sad day indeed….

Natalia Angelini

Full post as published by Toronto Estate Law Blog on July 10, 2009 (boomark / email).