Crime Blotter
--> -- ALAS, POOR EVIL GENIUS!
ROCHESTER, N.Y.
The skull of the Civil War’s “evil genius” general was stolen from his grave on the summer solstice and police believe Satan worshippers may be responsible.
The remains of Gen. Elisha G. Marshall were dug up during the night of summer solstice last week at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester.
Marshall was born in Rochester in 1829 and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He fought Indians in the West and took part in some of the bloodiest Civil War battles.
When Marshall was trying to organize the 14th New York Heavy Artillery regiment in Rochester later in the war, he managed to divert recruits from another regiment, leading a historian of the other regiment to describe him as an “evil genius.”
Bones were found near the desecrated grave, along with satanic symbols. The solstice — the longest day of the year sunshine-wise — is often marked by satanic and pagan rituals.
Police said they typically find evidence of satanic activities on that day.
“We try to do [checks at the cemetery] two or three times a year, depending on the satanic calendar,” said Sgt. Dan Magill. “I’ve been there the last five years during the summer solstice. Unfortunately, we were doing something else that night.”
An official at the cemetery said the grave robbery was very unusual.
“We get vandalism periodically, but it’s substantially less than it used to be,” said cemetery manager Nancy Hilliard said. “This is the first time I’ve had a grave dug up.”
PICK A FLOWER, GO TO JAIL
YUBA CITY, Calif.
When Highway 99 was deflowered of 250 daffodils, local authorities took it seriously.
An out-of-town couple faces jail time and fines of $2,000 after the flowers disappeared in February.
But Soren Lannon and his wife, Cheryl, said they had nothing to do with the flowers. They have refused a plea bargain and are demanding a jury trial.
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