Dillon County grave site mystery solved

By Jamie Rogers
Morning News Reporter
Published: July 15, 2008

Authorities said they now know who is responsible for a makeshift grave that appeared in a Dillon cemetery two weeks ago, Dillon County Chief Deputy Sheriff Douglas Pernell said.

The grave, where someone placed a piece of cinder block that read, “Spark’s mom,” was discovered in St. Mary’s Cemetery on June 30 by the plot owner, who had come to check on the burial sites of other relatives.

A 73-year-old New York resident who identified himself to deputies as Spark said his nephew has been buried at the site since 1974, Pernell said.

The 73-year-old man said his mother, however, is buried below his nephew, Pernell said.

The plot owner told authorities no one was buried there, Pernell said.

The 73-year-old man explained that the site appeared to have been freshly dug because he was trying to care for the grave site, which he believed was caving in, Pernell said.

Deputies expect to have a better understanding of the situation Monday when the man arrives in Dillon from New York, Pernell said.