Backyard burial case goes to Supreme Court

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Chester woman who buried her husband's body in her backyard is taking her case all the way to the Supreme Court today.

The town is trying to force 82-year old Elise Piquet to exhume her husband's body.

When Christopher Doll passed away in 2004, his wife, Piquet, buried his body in the couple's backyard. The couple have owned the house since 1968.

One year after Doll was buried, Piquet says she received a letter from the town that said they were withdrawing a cease and desist order.

However, now the town attorney says the burial violates state health codes and zoning ordnances. The attorney also says Piquet never went to the Zoning Board of Appeals to get a variance for the burial.

"It's just a pointless thing, he's just a bundle of bones now, why not just let him rest in peace," she said.