Crime Time

Police: Theft of girl's body possibly tied to ritual

You may recall yesterday's item on the theft of a 2-year-old girl's body from her Connecticut grave and its discovery by fishermen in a New Jersey river.

Now authorities say that evidence indicates the theft might have been part of a ritualistic act, possibly involving Santeria or Palo Mayombe. Santeria is from the Caribbean and is a mix of African beliefs and Catholicism, while Palo Mayombe is originally from the Congo region of Africa.

The investigation continues. Police said the girl had died from a rare, pre-existing condition and had been properly buried.

-- Lance Murray

Report: Cemetery workers dug up bodies, resold the plots

In a scheme that one law enforcement official called "beyond startling and revolting," workers at a historic African-American cemetery near Chicago are alleged to have dug up more than 100 graves so that they could be resold to unsuspecting buyers.

Officials said that workers at Burr Oak cemetery disinterred bodies, dumped remains and then resold the plots, pocketing the cash. The cemetery is home to some notable figures from Chicago area history.

The workers reportedly targeted older graves that weren't visited anymore, but officials said other graves might have been targeted.

At least four people involved are facing numerous felony charges, officials said.

-- Lance Murray