A Farmington Hills resident charged in connection with the dumping on animal remains at a Southfield cemetery reportedly told police he believed the practice would “protect him from death.”
The 48-year-old man was arraigned July 22 in 46th District Court on one misdemeanor count of illegal dumping.
Southfield Police said the department received multiple reports of animal remains being dropped near the entrance to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery over the last several months.
The remains, they said in a July 22 statement, primarily consisted of red snapper fish and pigeons.
Earlier reports indicated the incidents began in March when someone left a headless goat at the front gates of the 350-acre Catholic cemetery located at 10 Mile and Beech Daly roads.
A video released by police shows a man getting out of his vehicle at the cemetery gates after dark and placing what appears to be a small sack on the ground before driving away.
Police said detectives launched an investigation and used what the department described as a “combination of investigative techniques and advanced technology” to identify the suspect.
The man reportedly told investigators the animal remains were left as “part of a personal religious practice that he believed would protect him from death.”
He was arraigned July 22 and released after posting a $600 cash bond, and is due back in court Aug. 12.
Southfield Police said the department “recognizes and respects every individual’s constitutional right to practice their religion.”
“This investigation and subsequent criminal charge were based on the unlawful disposal of animal remains and not on the suspect’s religious beliefs or affiliations,” the department said in a statement, noting police appreciate the assistance of community members who reported incidents and encourage the public to continue reporting suspicious activity.
Contact reporter Laura Colvin: lcolvin@hometownlife.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Police: Religious practice led man to dump animal remains at cemetery
Reporting by Laura Colvin, Hometownlife.com / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Laura Colvin, Hometownlife.com | USA TODAY Network
