A gravedigger in West Virginia has been charged with several offenses after allegedly desecrating a baby’s corpse at Baylous Cemetery in Salt Rock. On March 27, a couple discovered the remains of a baby boy, who had been buried in 1982, while decorating graves for Easter.
Matthew Fortner, 49, was reportedly digging a new grave when he struck the baby’s casket. The baby’s casket was found damaged and discarded over a hillside, with the corpse lying in the middle of the cemetery. The investigation revealed that parts of the baby’s remains, including the right arm and foot, were missing. If convicted, Fortner faces up to five years in prison.
Fortner has been charged with disinterment or displacement of a dead body and intentionally withholding information about the disturbance of human remains. Fortner, who has a prior murder conviction, pleaded not guilty and posted bond after his arrest.
The Cabell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Fortner was contracted to work at the cemetery and had no relation to the child.
The Baylous Cemetery Board of Directors expressed their sadness over the incident and are cooperating with authorities to ensure justice is served. Fortner is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Thursday (April 10).
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