Moss Evidence Convicts Chicago Cemetery Grave Robbers

The investigation into Burr Oak Cemetery revealed a troubling situation. Official records suggested space for 130,000 graves, but documents indicated that between 140,000 and 147,500 people were listed as buried there. Additionally, some sections of the cemetery had never been used for burials. As a result, the former cemetery director, Carolyn Towns, along with two other employees, faced criminal charges.

The illegal activities were discovered as the cemetery staff became careless. They even used heavy machinery to excavate graves, damaging remains in the process. Investigators recovered around 1,500 bones identified as belonging to at least 38 individuals. Reports estimate that between 200 and 400 graves had been desecrated. Among the disturbing findings was the casket of Emmett Till, which was found in a garage covered with debris. This casket has since been restored and is now displayed at the Smithsonian’s Museum of African American History.

Prosecutors needed solid evidence to build their case. Beyond the skeletal remains, the FBI collected various samples, including broken branches and soil fragments for analysis. In 2009, the FBI sought expertise from museum specialist Robert von Konrat regarding some moss they had found buried beneath the remains. Identifying the moss species and determining its burial timeline would offer vital insights into the graves’ disturbance.

Von Konrat explained that moss can remain biologically active, even when dried. By analysing the degradation of chlorophyll, a pigment essential for photosynthesis, researchers could estimate how long the moss had been buried. This analysis would support the investigation and establish a timeline of events.

How much do you know?

How many graves did official records suggest were available at Burr Oak Cemetery?

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

How many people were estimated to be buried at Burr Oak Cemetery?

140,000 to 147,500

150,000 to 160,000

130,000 to 140,000

110,000 to 120,000

What did the cemetery staff use that resulted in damage to remains?

Hand tools

Heavy machinery

Simple shovels

Garden trowels

What was the estimated range of desecrated graves in the cemetery?

100 to 200 graves

200 to 400 graves

400 to 600 graves

600 to 800 graves

Where was Emmett Till's casket found?

In a museum

In a garage covered with debris

In a cemetery

In a storage unit

Who was consulted by the FBI regarding the moss found during the investigation?

A lawyer

A scientist

Museum specialist Robert von Konrat

A cemetery worker

Carolyn Towns was the former cemetery director at Burr Oak Cemetery.

True False

Investigators recovered around 2,000 bones during the investigation.

True False

The casket of Emmett Till is now displayed at the Smithsonian's Museum of African American History.

True False

The FBI did not collect any samples during their investigation.

True False

Moss can remain biologically active even when it is dried.

True False

The investigation began in 2010.

True False

Official records suggested space for graves at Burr Oak Cemetery.

The former cemetery director, Carolyn Towns, faced charges.

Investigators recovered around 1,500 identified as belonging to at least 38 individuals.

The FBI sought expertise regarding some found buried beneath the remains.

The degradation of is essential for estimating the burial timeline.

The casket of Emmett Till was found covered with in a garage.

This question is required