Three charged after burial sites disturbed in Cape Girardeau County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office has completed an investigation into the disturbance of multiple burial sites near Beechwood Lane.

Deputies responded around 10:30 a.m. March 25 to a report of possible activity involving a cemetery. Authorities said the disturbance is believed to have occurred between March 24 and March 25.

Investigators reported finding evidence of recently disturbed graves and cemetery property. A search warrant was obtained and executed as part of the investigation.

The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has issued summons for three individuals. Ronald Gene Clark, Dale Birk and Jeremy David Spooler are each charged with 18 counts of disturbing a marked burial site, a Class E felony.

Authorities said the charges stem from the alleged disturbance and relocation of burial sites, headstones and related cemetery property. Investigators identified multiple burial sites believed to have been disturbed.

During the search, officials said burial vaults and soil consistent with previously interred grave sites were located, and human remains were recovered and handled in accordance with state law.

Several agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Cape Girardeau County Coroner’s Office, Cape Girardeau County Parks Department, Cape Girardeau Public Works, Gordonville Fire Department and Southeast Missouri State University programs.

Court dates and additional information will be released through prosecutors or the court system. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.