SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) -- An investigation is underway at a Southfield Cemetery, after multiple dead animals turn up on the property.
Police are trying to figure out why.
Police said this started in March, with the discovery of a headless goat, in a bag at the front gates of Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, at 10 Mile Road and Beech Daly.
In the weeks that followed, the remains of other animals turned up: a chicken and pigeons — all of them decapitated — a cardinal in a bag, and some miscellaneous fish.
Southfield Deputy Chief Aaron Huguley said said investigators are still working to determine motive: Are these incidents cultural, or something else?
"You can't be cruel to animals in this fashion, and you can't dispose of animals in this fashion," Huguley said, in an interview Thursday with WWJ's Pat Vitale. "So, we're looking at what's the reason behind it. But, also, too, there's a level of accountability that's gonna come with it, because you can't do these types of things."
Huguley said various potential criminal charges could be considered by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office once a suspect is identified. That could including animal cruelty and the illegal dumping of animals.
The Southfield Police Department is asking anyone with information about these incidents to call its investigations division at 248-796-5540. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-SPEAK-UP (800-773-2587) or via an online form at this link.
