Opinion ID: 1769274
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Violating Graves and First-Degree Desecration of Venerated Objects

Text: Our previous determination, however, does not resolve the entirety of Appellant's conviction for violating graves. Appellant was also convicted of first-Degree Desecration of Venerated Objects. That statute, KRS 525.105(1) is as follows: A person is guilty of desecration of venerated objects in the first degree when, other than authorized by law, he intentionally excavates or disinters human remains for the purpose of commercial sale or exploitation of the remains themselves or of objects buried contemporaneously with the remains. This crime is a Class C felony. KRS 525.105(2). The elements of first-degree desecration of venerated objects are (1) excavation or disinterment of human remains, (2) where the disinterment or excavation is done for the purpose of commercial sale or exploitation of the remains or objects buried with the remains. Though the elements of first-degree desecration of venerated objects (KRS 525.105) appear superficially different than the elements of violating a grave (KRS 525.115), the former includes the latter. The digging up or disinterment of human remains, as required for a violation of KRS 525.105 necessarily requires damaging or destroying a grave or tomb, the fundamental act required for a violation of KRS 525.115. First-degree desecration of a venerated object, the higher charge (a Class C felony), requires the added element of causing the damage for the purpose of commercial exploitation. Commission of an act that would constitute desecration of venerated objects would of necessity amount to violating graves. In a proper case, if the trier of fact was unconvinced that the purpose of the act was commercial exploitation, but believed the evidence of mutilation, guilt of violating graves would be an appropriate verdict. As such, violating graves is a lesser-included offense of first-degree desecration of venerated objects, and under the Blockburger test, a defendant cannot be convicted of both crimes for the same act. A similar conclusion would follow with respect to criminal mischief. Conduct that would amount to desecration of venerated objects would also include conduct that would constitute ordinary criminal mischief, the difference being that desecration of venerated objects must include disturbance of a burial place and be for the purpose of commercial sale or exploitation.