Pentagram, animal remains
found near tombstone

By Mary Garrison
Tribune-Courier Features Editor
mgarrison@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – It was a rather gruesome atmosphere last Saturday when Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Oakley responded to reports of vandalism in Waid Cemetery, just outside of Benton.

Upon arrival, it was discovered that a pentagram had been carved into the ground next to a gravesite. In the middle lay the mutilated remains of a goat.

The animal’s head had been removed and burned on site.

“What really disturbs me is that this was on somebody’s grave,” said area resident David McClure. “It’s sick.”

Sheriff Kevin Byars said this is not the first instance of what some might call satanic ritual or cult activity in the area. Byars said some years ago, the gravel pit located at the end of Waid Road had been the site of similar happenings. However, Byars said this is the first reported instance in several years.

The difficulty now, he said, is in identifying and locating the public cemetery’s curator.

“We’re certainly going to be keeping a closer eye on the area,” Byars said.