A Farmington Hills man who allegedly repeatedly dumped fish and bird remains at the entrance of a Southfield cemetery has been charged with illegal dumping.
Dwight Respess, 48, was arraigned this week after Southfield police linked him to a series of dumping incidents at the entrance of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on W. 10 Mile Road.
Over the last several months, the agency said it received multiple reports of animal remains being discarded near the entrance of the 350-acre cemetery. The remains primarily consisted of red snapper fish and pigeons.
Due to the repeated nature of the incidents and community concerns, detectives launched an investigation and were eventually able to pinpoint Respess.
Respess met with investigators and told them the remains were left as part of a personal religious practice that he believed would protect him from death.
Respess was released after posting a $600 cash bond. His next court date is Aug. 12 in Southfield’s district court.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Man accused of dumping animal remains at Southfield cemetery entrance
Reporting by Maureen Feighan, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Maureen Feighan, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
