Land Developer Accused Of Desecrating Graves

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ELLIS COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) - Loved ones to people buried at St. Mary cemetery just outside the town of Italy have accused a land developer of desecrating graves there.

"All my grandparents are there, double relatives there," said Mary Rankin, 82.

The cemetery, which dates back to 1860, holds the remains of many slaves.

Rankin said a land developer named Blair Dance has plowed and plundered grave sites, many of which now sit under a fence and a cornfield.

"He went over, yes he did. Just go look. They just tore up the place," said Rankin.

Dance has denied encroaching on cemetery land.

The county's Historical Commission has added its voice to Rankin's fight.

"The company that has destroyed some of the cemetery is claiming the cemetery is smaller than it actually is, after they've run over these graves," said Ty Hall with the Ellis Co. Historical Commission.

The court case resumes Wednesday.

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