April 28, 2026: Cape Girardeau County, Missouri — Sauder Schelkopf LLC and Bochetto & Lentz, P.C. have filed a class action lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri on behalf of families whose ancestors’ graves were allegedly disturbed, relocated, and desecrated at multiple historic cemeteries.
The lawsuit arises from the alleged disturbance of burial sites at the English Cemetery, the Benjamin M. Horrell Cemetery, and a historic burial ground believed to contain the graves of enslaved individuals.
Read the Complaint here
According to the complaint, these cemeteries date back nearly 200 years and serve as the final resting place for early settlers, their descendants, and formerly enslaved individuals. The complaint alleges that defendants excavated and attempted to relocate graves without obtaining required legal authorization or the consent of surviving family members.
The lawsuit further alleges that heavy machinery was used during excavation, resulting in crushed burial containers, displaced headstones, and the disturbance, commingling, and loss of human remains.
The named plaintiff, Dennis Horman, is a descendant of individuals interred at the English Cemetery, including a Revolutionary War veteran whose remains were allegedly impacted. The complaint seeks to represent a class of similarly situated descendants and family members whose ancestors’ graves were disturbed.
Separate criminal proceedings have also been initiated. According to public reporting, three individuals have been charged with multiple felony counts related to the disturbance of burial sites following an investigation by the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office.
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“This case involves deeply troubling allegations concerning the treatment of historic burial grounds and the dignity owed to those laid to rest,” said Joseph Sauder of Sauder Schelkopf. “Families have legal rights that protect their ancestors’ remains, and we intend to pursue accountability and restoration.”
“The allegations in this case reflect a profound breakdown in the most basic standards of care and respect for human remains,” said Bryan Lentz of Bochetto & Lentz. “Our goal is to ensure that affected families receive answers, that their ancestors are properly identified and reinterred, and that those responsible are held fully accountable under the law.”
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The class action asserts claims including negligent interference with the right of sepulcher, negligence per se, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and related causes of action. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to ensure proper recovery, identification, and reinterment of remains.
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Attorneys are continuing to evaluate additional claims and encourage families who believe their loved ones’ burial sites may have been affected to contact counsel.
About Sauder Schelkopf
Sauder Schelkopf LLC is a national plaintiffs’ rights law firm that litigates class actions, mass torts, and complex civil cases on behalf of individuals, families, and institutions.
About Bochetto & Lentz
Bochetto & Lentz, P.C. is a Philadelphia-based litigation firm representing clients in high-stakes civil and commercial matters nationwide.
For more information about this case or to speak with an attorney, please contact us by completing the form on this page or call 1-888-711-9975.