Police have identified a 48-year-old man accused of leaving animal remains outside the entrance of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan, over several months.
According to the Farmington Hills Police Department, detectives identified the individual as Dwight Respess after investigating multiple reports of animal remains being left near the cemetery property.
The investigation gained attention after reports surfaced in May that various animal remains had been discovered near the cemetery gates along 10 Mile Road near Beech Road. Authorities said the remains included a dead goat, birds, fish, and a chicken.
Police said detectives eventually determined that Respess was responsible for leaving the remains at the location. Investigators met with Respess, who reportedly told them that he left the animals as part of a personal religious practice.
According to police, Respess said he believed the practice would provide protection from death. Authorities emphasized that the investigation and criminal charges were not related to Respess’ religious beliefs but instead focused on the alleged illegal disposal of animal remains.
“The Southfield Police Department recognizes and respects every individual’s constitutional right to practice their religion,” police said in a statement. “This investigation and subsequent criminal charge were based on the unlawful disposal of animal remains and not on the suspect’s religious beliefs or affiliations.”
Following the investigation, police submitted their findings to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutors charged Respess with one count of illegal dumping.
Respess was later arraigned on the charge and released after posting bond. Officials did not immediately provide additional details about the case or whether more charges could be filed.
Investigators said the remains found outside the cemetery primarily consisted of red snapper fish and pigeons, along with other animal remains reported earlier in the investigation.
Authorities have continued to stress that the case centers on how the remains were allegedly disposed of and not on any individual’s personal faith or spiritual practices.
The discovery of the remains had raised concerns among cemetery visitors and nearby residents when reports first emerged. Police launched an investigation to determine who was responsible and why the animals were being left at the cemetery entrance.
With Respess now identified and charged, the case will move forward through the Oakland County court system.
