Amid the serene setting of Baylous Cemetery, a gravedigger, Matthew Fortner, committed an act that rocked the local community.

A West Virginia gravedigger faces charges for desecrating a baby's grave in a shocking incident, leaving the local community in disbelief, as the Daily Mail reports.

Fortner, 49, employed at Baylous Cemetery, found himself amidst controversy when he reportedly struck a baby's casket while preparing a grave for another burial.

The event occurred unexpectedly, causing disturbance not only to the grave but to the sanctity of the site dedicated to eternal peace.

Gruesome discovery made by local couple

Following the inadvertent disturbance, Fortner allegedly threw the casket over a nearby hillside, an act that remained unnoticed until a distressing discovery was made.

It was a couple, visiting the cemetery to decorate headstones for Easter, who stumbled upon the tragic sight. The scene unveiled the baby boy's corpse, left in the heart of the cemetery, a sight that prompted immediate notification to authorities.

According to records, the baby, buried in 1982, was only five days old at the time of death. The unfortunate discovery was made on March 27, when baby clothes were noticed scattered around the cemetery, leading to the grim find.

Authorities respond to disturbing scene

The initial investigation was baffling, as no graves appeared disturbed at first glance. However, further scrutiny led to Fortner's arrest on a subsequent Wednesday.

Charged with the displacement of a dead body and withholding information about the disturbance of human remains, the case against Fortner began to solidify.

Despite pleading not guilty and posting bond the following day, the charges Fortner faces are grave. If convicted, he could see up to five years in prison, a reflection of the severity of the allegations against him.

Community, law enforcement officials react

The reaction from the community and officials was one of utter shock and condemnation. "It takes a sick individual, in my opinion, to desecrate a grave and mess with a corpse, period," commented Cabell County Sheriff Doug Adams. His words echoed the community's sentiment towards this disturbing act.

The Baylous Cemetery Board of Directors expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing their cooperation with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office. "We are saddened to hear that an employee of a contractor used by Baylous Cemetery stands accused of committing this crime," they stated, hoping for justice to prevail.

Fortner's troubled past

Fortner's background reveals a complicated legal history. Previously convicted of murder in 1999 for a 1997 incident, he was sentenced to life with mercy but released on parole in 2007. His murder charge was later set aside, leading to a re-sentencing for first-degree robbery for time served. This history adds a layer of complexity to the current charges he faces.

The question remains about how someone with such a history was employed in a role where respect for the deceased is paramount. These details may play a crucial role in the unfolding legal proceedings.

Lessons to learn

This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of sacred spaces and the need for vigilance. Here are some lessons we can draw:

1. Always report any suspicious activities around cemeteries to prevent desecration.
2. Communities should advocate for thorough background checks for employees working in sensitive roles.
3. Regular inspections and surveillance can enhance security at cemeteries.

It's crucial to remember that even with precautions, crimes can occur, and victim-blaming is never appropriate.

Why this story matters

The integrity of final resting places is a fundamental expectation of any society. This incident not only breaches that trust but also causes immense emotional distress to families connected to the desecrated grave. Such stories shed light on the darker aspects of community spaces and the importance of safeguarding them against such violations.

In conclusion, the episode at Baylous Cemetery serves as a painful reminder of the respect and sanctity owed to the deceased. The unfolding case against Matthew Fortner will likely serve as a touchstone for discussions on cemetery security and employee background checks. The community hopes for a resolution that restores peace and dignity to the disturbed gravesite, reaffirming the sanctity of final resting places.