Child's body stolen from Stamford grave found in N.J. river

Police say the body of a 2-year-old Stamford child was stolen from its grave in a South End cemetery and somehow turned up in a New Jersey river over the weekend.

[Something Terribly Wrong]

First a woman gets raped in this cementary now a child's body is taken something has to be done to better secure this cementary its just getting way out of hand. May this child's body be placed back in peace and hope that some changes with respect takes place as it should be !!!!!!!

[Vox Pop]

First question - Are officials sure the body was buried in the casket?
Second question - What means of identification were used?
Third question -(Sorry.)- Any indication of abuse to the remains?
Fourth question - Sorry, again.)- Any indication of any cult connection?

[Still in Stamford]

Vox Pop wrote:

First question - Are officials sure the body was buried in the casket?
Second question - What means of identification were used?
Third question -(Sorry.)- Any indication of abuse to the remains?
Fourth question - Sorry, again.)- Any indication of any cult connection?

http://www.thehour.com/story/471892
"Police said the body was intact when it was discovered and did not appear to have been abused or used in a ritualistic manner."
Unfortunately, these are the questions that anyone would ask; what could possibly explain why anyone would do such a terrible thing?
I feel so badly for the parents -- it's bad enough to lose a child but to have to deal with something like this is unthinkable.

[Vox Pop]

Still in Stamford wrote:

<quoted text>
http://www.thehour.com/story/471892
"Police said the body was intact when it was discovered and did not appear to have been abused or used in a ritualistic manner."
Unfortunately, these are the questions that anyone would ask; what could possibly explain why anyone would do such a terrible thing?
I feel so badly for the parents -- it's bad enough to lose a child but to have to deal with something like this is unthinkable.

Another reason to read more than one paper. The Hour's coverage is much better no this story.
The cult/ritual question came to mind because that sort of thing has happened here before.
The "remarkable condition" of the remains has given rise to some speculation that it had been frozen for some time. The fact that they were in a sealed plastic bag also raises questions.

For the parents, a returned nightmare. The loss of a child was bad enough. This, however, is horrid.

[Vox Pop]

The update identifies the child as Imani Joyner.

Now Police are saying evidence at the cemetery and information from officials in New Jersey DOES point to some kind of (cult) ritual. Likely either Palo Mayombe or Santaria.

[Wendell]

You should never play with plastic bags or get inside one because you could suffocate. They are very dangerous.

[LAWDOG]

Vox Pop wrote:

The update identifies the child as Imani Joyner.
Now Police are saying evidence at the cemetery and information from officials in New Jersey DOES point to some kind of (cult) ritual. Likely either Palo Mayombe or Santaria.

Well then, let's catch the witches and burn em!

[Mister Bob]

The current suspect is tentatively believed to be a local member of the anti-immigrant Minutemen group.

[Tony E Neuman]

Vox Pop wrote:

<quoted text>
The "remarkable condition" of the remains has given rise to some speculation that it had been frozen for some time.

It sounds from the article that the Jersey Police did a visual identification on the girl. Who could make the leap that the body found in the river was that of a girl who died and was buried 2 years ago? I don't believe this would happen unless they had information prior to finding the body. Mortuary Cold Chamber?

[Still in Stamford]

Tony E Neuman wrote:

<quoted text>
It sounds from the article that the Jersey Police did a visual identification on the girl. Who could make the leap that the body found in the river was that of a girl who died and was buried 2 years ago? I don't believe this would happen unless they had information prior to finding the body. Mortuary Cold Chamber?

Identification could have had something to do with the rare medical condition the child had. Apparently it is very unusual for a child with it to not die in infancy.

[Vox Pop]

Still in Stamford wrote:

<quoted text>
Identification could have had something to do with the rare medical condition the child had. Apparently it is very unusual for a child with it to not die in infancy.

We know now that "ritualistic" evidence was found - both in the exhumed casket, and where the fishermen found her.
We can assume that some sort of identification - personal or funerary - was with the remains, otherwise id is an impossibility.
The question of how long the remains had been out of - or ever in - the casket may never be answered.
The cult clues are actually more comforting than some other possibilities in cases like this.