Watch CBS News

Cremated Human Remains Found Buried on Public Property in Blackwood, N.J.

By Mike DeNardo

BLACKWOOD, N.J. (CBS) -- It's a mystery in Camden County: cremated remains of a human being in a well-tended grave on county property.

But right now, no one knows whose remains they are.

People taking a walk last Friday discovered the grave site under a tree on Camden County's "Lakeland" complex, in Blackwood.

Jason Laughlin, a spokesman for the county prosecutor, says the ashes were found buried under a small cross, a statue of a kneeling angel, and some freshly planted flowers.

"They were in a plastic bag and then in another bag that was kept in a box that appeared to be something that would have been issued by a funeral home or a crematorium.  And really the issue is, this is just not a place where you can do those kind of burials."

Laughlin says the remains were labeled with a female's name, but investigators haven't been able to been able to find a death certificate with that name.

Investigators want to be sure the remains were properly cremated, and that no foul play was involved in the death.

The remains were exhumed and are now in the custody of the prosecutor.

Laughlin says the county's Victim Witness Unit will help the family find a proper burial site, if need be.

 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.