Burr Oak Closed To Public As Investigation Continues

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jul 11, 2009 4:15PM

Authorities have closed Burr Oak Cemetery in suburban Alsip, even to those seeking information as to the condition of their loved ones' graves, as their investigation into a scheme that involved over 300 bodies being disinterred continues. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart advised concerned family members to head to the front gates of the cemetery where they could pass information along to sheriff's officials. Dart made the decision after second site of remains and disturbed graves was made on the grounds yesterday. Dart said, “It has become abundantly clear to us that this crime scene is going to continue to grow. We do not have an end in sight.” A temporary restraining order by the sheriff's office to put a moratorium on burials at Burr Oak was dropped. Said Sally Daly, spokeswoman for the Cook County States Attorney's office, "Initially there was discussion of obtaining a temporary restraining order to make sure no more digging, no more funerals, so as to preserve the scene. At this point the lawyers for the cemetery have agreed to discontinue any funeral or any kind of excavating at the cemetery." The cemetery could be closed for up to a week as the investigation continues. [Tribune, Sun-Times]