Warren Police verify truth behind social media image of open casket at local park

WARREN (WWJ) Warren Police are speaking out about an image of an open casket, with an unknown person sitting next to it, taken at a local park.

In a press release; police said they became aware of the image on Tuesday (9/3) around 11:15 a.m., after it had begun circulating on social media. After learning of the photo; “several” Warren officers responded to Butcher Park at Martin near Ryan to investigate.

Officers did not find any suspicious activity or people in the park, police said.

They canvassed for surveillance footage from nearby homes, but limited video was available. They also reached out to nearby funeral homes, and none of them knew anything about funeral services in Butcher Park. Police then turned to the public for tips.

Information from the community revealed a funeral director from New York was transporting a deceased woman, 97, from New York to the Mt.
Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. The deceased had lived in Warren all of her life and passed away while in New York, according to police.

“The Funeral Director temporarily situated the casket in the park so that the deceased’s family members could say their final goodbyes prior to her burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery,” the statement read.

Investigators spoke with the funeral director, the Mt. Olivet staff, and the deceased woman’s family, “all of whom are cooperative and confirmed what had occurred,” police said.

No foul play is suspected.

“The Warren Police Department respects the wishes of the deceased and her family members during their time of mourning,” the statement read. “While parks in the City of Warren are intended for recreational purposes, we would ask that the public please contact City Hall or the Police Department in advanced if requesting a viewing at a City park so that we can ensure the necessary protocols are respected.”

If you have any more information on this incident, please call Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton at (586) 574-4803 or (586) 823-9845.