Grave mistakes in Hamden cemetery

Hamden (WTNH) - News Channel 8 was first to report problems with mis-marked and unmarked graves at a Hamden cemetery.

Frustrated family came to us with disturbing tales of not being able to locate their loved ones. The state is suing, saying many families have gone through anguish during a difficult time and some still don't know where their loved ones are buried.

Jackie Grant can now pay respects to her aunt in the proper place at Hamden Plans Cemetery. "Now we know where she is and she is where she is supposed to be," Grant said.

She first came to News Channel 8 last year telling us the story of her aunt's mis-marked grave.

Now the state is taking action against the cemetery manager. "If it wasn't for Channel 8 bringing this out into the attention we would not have gotten very far.

Team 8 first uncovered problems with unmarked graves at Hamden Plains back in 2002 leading to a state investigation

In 2007, News Channel 8 reported the same problem also showing how headstones weren't put down but stayed propped against a shed for months. We also found overflowing dumpsters.

Again, our report sparked a state probe of the problems. Now with other families coming forward, the State Attorney General is suing the cemetery manager accusing Randy Guevin of improper financial gain and failing to mark graves and maintain the property.

"This is absolutely unexcusable treatment of them, and their lives is the reason we brought the lawsuit and will pursue it for restitution," Attorney General Blumenthal said.

Grant paid over $200 to have her aunt's body exhumed to verify her burial location.

Finally the headstone is in the right place and Grant says that, and the lawsuit, will help her aunt rest in peace. "Justice for not only me but for other families that may not have known for years what was going on here."

The attorney general is also asking for a court order preventing Guevin from serving as manager of any cemetery in our state. We were unable to reach him for comment.