Grave robbing trial begins in Newark

NEWARK – Prosecutors spent Thursday outlining their case against a Cuban man accused of trying to obtain dead body parts from two Newark cemeteries. Authorities say Oscar Cruz hired someone to steal remains from three graves at Mount Pleasant and Holy Secular cemeteries.

Prosecutors say Cruz is the high priest of a religious cult called Palo Mayombe. They believe he planned to use the body parts in a ritual to pull down sprits and cast spells of misfortune on others. On Thursday, a cemetery groundskeeper and a relative whose father’s remains were desecrated took the stand. The groundskeeper confirmed the break-ins, while the relative says he never gave anyone permission to take his father’s body parts.

Cruz is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary, and three counts of receiving of stolen property. Cruz’s lawyer is arguing that he had no idea the remains were stolen property.

One man connected to the case has already pleaded guilty to grave robbing.

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