An investigation into a series of grave robberies has led police to believe that a religious sect may be the culprits.
Investigative Reporter Walt Hunter has learned the search is on for thieves who hit cemeteries in Philadelphia, Delaware, and northern New Jersey.
Authorities now believe thefts of human skulls and body parts from a mausoleum at North Philadelphia’s New Cathedral Cemetery, which dates back to the 1800’s, was the work of a religious sect.
"They steal the parts when there's a full moon and use them for spells,” said Captain Len Ditchkofsky of the Philadelphia Police Department.
In addition to five skulls, Hunter reports that investigators now know that an entire body was also removed. The thefts are similar to those at a cemetery in Newark, New Jersey, and two in Wilmington, Delaware.
In studies written by experts, Hunter says that pictures show cauldrons where skulls and wood are burned to create good and evil spells.
“There’s a huge profit motive, people pay big money for this," added Ditchkofsky.
Hunter reports that detectives based their decision that the thefts were linked to a religious sect by not only on what was taken but also on what was left behind.
"They left valuables, they took only body parts. We’ve ruled out robberies and teenagers," said Ditchkofsky.
While thefts by sect members in other cities have led to arrests, Hunter reports that so far, no one has been charged in this case.