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Gravedigger arrested after baby's corpse found on West Virginia cemetery's grounds

A gravedigger named Matthew Fortner was arrested for disturbing an infant's grave at Baylous Cemetery, leaving the remains exposed.
Fortner, 49, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was given a bond set at $5,000.
Sheriff Doug Adams expressed that the incident is deeply troubling and requires thorough investigation.
The state coroner stated an open verdict was declared for the baby, as the cause of death remains undetermined.

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KCRG

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Man arrested after he allegedly destroyed an infant’s grave from 1982, officials say

A man in West Virginia was arrested after he allegedly desecrated an infant’s grave at a cemetery, according to authorities.

6 hours ago·Cedar Rapids, United States

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Miami Standard

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West Virginia Gravedigger Arrested for Digging Up Infant’s Grave, Dumping Remains - Miamistandard News

A West Virginia gravedigger faces arrest for reportedly violating the sanctity of an infant’s grave, leaving the child’s remains exposed at the cemetery where he was employed. Authorities state that the baby’s clothing and casket were carelessly discarded over a hill after the gravedigger inadvertently disturbed the boy’s final resting place while excavating another plot, as detailed by police and 911 callers. “We were here decorating graves for…

21 hours ago

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The Free Press (Tampa)

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Gravedigger Arrested For Desecrating Infant's Grave In West Virginia

A gravedigger in West Virginia has been arrested and charged with desecrating an infant’s grave after allegedly disturbing the child’s remains and leaving the corpse exposed at the cemetery where he worked. Matthew Fortner, 49, was arrested on Wednesday by the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office and booked on charges of displacement of a dead body […] Gravedigger Arrested For Desecrating Infant’s Grave In West Virginia

1 day ago·Tampa, United States

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Charleston Gazette-Mail

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Grave digger arrested, charged in connection with infant corpse at Cabell cemetery

Matthew Ray Fortner, 49, was arrested Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in connection with an infant corpse and broken casket found at Baylous Cemetery in Salt Rock, Cabell County, West Virginia, on March 27, 2025.

2 days ago·Charleston, United States

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