06/07/2018
Grave robbers steal bones from Miami's historic cemeteries
At first glance, a tree branch appears to have fallen into the coffin. The lid has been pried off, leaving the contents roasting, naked, in the Miami sun.
“No, that’s a leg bone. See where the foot used to be?” said Arthur Kennedy, bending down to take a closer look at the smooth, brown, contoured tibia.
Kennedy would know. He’s not a forensic scientist but he is a cemetery caretaker — who lives in the middle of a cemetery — and he’s recently seen more bones than he cares to remember.
“Here’s his belt,” Kennedy said, pointing to a rotting black strap hanging off the side, a remnant of the dignity of the dead man when he was buried in his Sunday best.
He rests in peace no more. The one bone is all that’s left of the dearly departed. His remains were likely stolen by grave robbers who use human bones in religious ceremonies or sell them on the black market.
“There’s a lot of witchcraft going on, and I’ve been offered $1,000 for a skull,” Kennedy said. “It’s inhumane how they’re attacking the dead and dismantling the graves. Our history is buried in these cemeteries.”
---
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article212504519.html
---
