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An Aurora man was arrested after witnesses saw him digging up a grave in the West Aurora Cemetery.

Rivers

Jeremy Rivers, 33, of Aurora, was charged with Desecrating Human Remains after cemetery attendants observed him digging up a gravesite. The headstone indicated the grave belonged to Victoria E. Vittetow, born in 1866.

At 5:34 p.m. Thursday, April 4, Aurora police officers were dispatched to the West Aurora Cemetery after workers reported seeing Rivers digging up an old grave in the cemetery located at 607 Wilder St.

One of the workers approached Rivers, who told them he was “moving the body” at the request of family members. When they challenged Rivers, he left the area.

Aurora police located Rivers at his nearby home, where he was taken into custody without incident.

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Although it does not appear that Rivers removed any of Vittetow’s remains, it appears that her body had been disturbed by Rivers, who offered no explanation to the police for his actions. It is unknown what connection there is, if any, between Rivers and the grave site.

Rivers was charged with Desecrating Human Remains under the Cemetery Protection Act, Class 3 Felony. He was transported to the Kane County Jail.

Charges are not proof of guilt. The defendant listed herein is presumed innocent and is entitled to fair trials at which it is the burden of the state to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

SOURCE: city of Aurora news release