Future of Burr Oak Cemetery near Chicago in limbo 1 year after desecration discovered
By APSunday, July 11, 2010
Future of Burr Oak Cemetery uncertain 1 year later
CHICAGO — Relatives still don’t have many answers, a year after a desecration scandal at a historic black cemetery near Chicago became public.
Louella Johnson doesn’t think she’ll ever get over the frustration. The retired postal worker has numerous relatives buried at Burr Oak, in the suburb of Alsip.
Last summer investigators discovered that workers had allegedly dug up hundreds of bodies and resold plots in a moneymaking scheme. Four workers have been charged, the entry gates have been replaced and lawsuits filed.
But not much else has changed. Funerals still continue there.
Burr Oak’s owner, Perpetua, will be bankrupt until the cemetery is sold, meaning lawsuits are on hold. And Burr Oak’s sale is contingent upon the sale of a sister property.
Online:
www.burroakalsip.com
