The theft of two bodies from a condemned mausoleum in Plains Township has left local authorities baffled, as revealed by a search warrant application. On November 5, human remains were discovered exposed on the ground, igniting a complex investigation into this unusual crime.
While details from law enforcement remain sparse, potential charges against any future suspects could include abuse of a corpse, burglary, criminal trespass, and criminal mischief. Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce described the case as “one of the more bizarre incidents of my career” and noted that the motive behind the thefts at Good Shepherd Memorial Park remains unknown.
Initial Discovery by Volunteers
The investigation began when a volunteer, known only as Bowman, alerted police after noticing that the mausoleum’s windows were shattered and its interior vandalized. Bowman’s duties included maintaining the grounds, and upon his discovery, he informed Plains Township Police Sergeant Michael Smith.
Responding officers found two caskets disturbed, prompting further investigation by Smith and Detective Thomas Lepore. The site was littered with debris, and two caskets were visibly exposed.
Ava Petersen, another volunteer, was contacted by Bowman and arrived at the scene. Based on photos she took on November 1, Petersen believed the vandalism occurred between then and November 5.
A Long History of Neglect
For years, the cemetery has been subject to neglect, leading to volunteers stepping in to maintain the property. The township condemned the mausoleum in 2015 due to its deteriorating condition. Ownership changes over the years have complicated efforts to address these issues, with the current owners, Viktoria Evstafieva and Lawrence Lee, reportedly residing in Florida and remaining unreachable.
Volunteers like Bowman and Petersen have been crucial in maintaining the cemetery, while the Luzerne County Funeral Directors Association assists families wishing to relocate their loved ones’ remains.
Efforts to Preserve History
Petersen has been researching Good Shepherd as part of a book project on neglected cemeteries. She expressed dismay over the thefts, saying, “These people have family members that loved and cared for them…they were somebody’s family.”
Collaborating with Chris Yanaitis of Yanaitis Funeral Home, Petersen works to recover lost burial records. Yanaitis also helps families transfer remains from the mausoleum, which still holds 38 bodies.
Among the stolen remains were those of Mary Cappellini Piga, entombed since 1979. Her great-grandson, Peter Biscontini, a township commissioner, confirmed the partial recovery of Piga’s remains, though he could not provide further details.
Evidence Collection and Investigation
On November 6, Plains police collected evidence, including two exposed metal caskets, which were moved for further inspection. The following day, officers discovered human remains wrapped in a tarp near the mausoleum.
District Attorney Sanguedolce remarked on the case’s complexity, comparing it to other high-profile body part thefts but noting the unique challenges posed by the age of the remains involved.
As the investigation continues, Petersen remains hopeful that raising awareness will prevent similar situations in the future.
