Human remains stolen from an Australian cemetery are being investigated by police.
Following the theft of human remains on two separate instances, Australian police have linked their investigation to a “satanic ritual.”
Several objects, including a crucifix, candles, and letters to Satan, were reportedly left at the Footscray General Cemetery in Melbourne, according to sources.
The first occurrence occurred overnight from Thursday to Friday, according to Victoria police.
According to Detectives, human remains were removed from a mausoleum, which was found desecrated after a plaque and plasterboard inside it were removed.
The second incident was recorded at the same cemetery overnight from Monday to Tuesday.
The statement said, “It’s believed unknown offenders forced entry to a mausoleum before stealing partial human remains.
“Detectives established crime scenes at both incidents and are investigating whether they are linked.”
Acting Inspector Ben Jarman told 7 News, “The human remains were the primary focus of the offender and that is what we are focusing on.
“It’s very distressing for the families. They expect their loved ones to be put to rest at peace.”
However, Police noted that no other gravesites were damaged during the incident.
“This is a very rare event, we’re not sure what person is motivated to do this,” Jarman told local radio station 3AW.
According to him, the offenders must have used some kind of tool to gain access to the mausoleums.
“It would have to be something substantial,” Jarman said.
He noted that Police have increased security at the cemetery and have been working closely with site managers.
The Police, therefore, urged the public to come forward if they witnessed suspicious activity over the past week.
Following the theft of human remains on two separate instances, Australian police have linked their investigation to a “satanic ritual.”
Several objects, including a crucifix, candles, and letters to Satan, were reportedly left at the Footscray General Cemetery in Melbourne, according to sources.
The first occurrence occurred overnight from Thursday to Friday, according to Victoria police.
According to Detectives, human remains were removed from a mausoleum, which was found desecrated after a plaque and plasterboard inside it were removed.
The second incident was recorded at the same cemetery overnight from Monday to Tuesday.
The statement said, “It’s believed unknown offenders forced entry to a mausoleum before stealing partial human remains.
“Detectives established crime scenes at both incidents and are investigating whether they are linked.”
Acting Inspector Ben Jarman told 7 News, “The human remains were the primary focus of the offender and that is what we are focusing on.
“It’s very distressing for the families. They expect their loved ones to be put to rest at peace.”
However, Police noted that no other gravesites were damaged during the incident.
“This is a very rare event, we’re not sure what person is motivated to do this,” Jarman told local radio station 3AW.
According to him, the offenders must have used some kind of tool to gain access to the mausoleums.
“It would have to be something substantial,” Jarman said.
He noted that Police have increased security at the cemetery and have been working closely with site managers.
The Police, therefore, urged the public to come forward if they witnessed suspicious activity over the past week.