INDIANAPOLIS — Crown Hill Cemetery stated Wednesday they object the proposed exhumation of 1930's gangster John Dillinger which was permitted by the Indiana State Department of Health in July.
Management of Crown Hill cited the need to protect the safety, integrity, and "peaceful tranquility" of the families they serve.
In the statement provided to RTV6, Crown Hill management says that also, not all of Dillinger's family agrees with the exhumation.
Read the statement in full below:
“Crown Hill objects to the exhumation of John Dillinger. We have a duty to the families we serve to ensure the safety and integrity of the Cemetery which is threatened by the proposed exhumation. We also have concerns that the complex and commercial nature of this exhumation could cause disruption to the peaceful tranquility of the Cemetery and those who are visiting to remember their loved ones. Additionally, we received notice that not all of Mr. Dillinger’s next of kin agree with the exhumation. We honor the trust placed in us to protect all individuals in our care, and to protect the interests of those who cannot speak for themselves.”
The body of the infamous Hoosier was requested to be unearthed by Dillinger's nephew, Michael C. Thompson, on June 24 to disinter the body. A request that has not only been approved by the department of health for September 16 but is backed by Television's History Channel as they work on a new documentary of the bank robber.
However, Dan Silberman, Senior Vice President of Communications for A&E and the History Channel, says the listed date of September 16 on the permit may not end up being the correct date.
For reasons Silberman has not been able to provide RTV6.
