(AP)
MEADVILLE, Pa. Workers renovating a church unearthed a package
of medical waste that contained a woman’s breast, and police believe it
was buried there by someone who had cancer.
Officials
at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville told police it may
have been put there by a woman 10 to 15 years ago who had requested
prayers for healing of breast cancer, Meadville police Detective Sgt.
Craig Gump said Friday.
Church officials told investigators they
do not believe the woman was given permission to bury the breast, which
would violate a city ordinance governing the burial of human tissue.
But police suspect the woman may have done so anyway, Gump said.
An
Erie County pathologist examined the tissue, which was dug up Wednesday
by construction crews, and confirmed it was clearly the product of a
medical procedure, Gump said. There were medical labels on the plastic
package, but police were unable to determine where the surgery took
place, Gump said.
Police do not know the woman’s name but were
told by church officials that she has since moved from the area. Police
decided to close the case Friday because they’re confident no serious
crime was committed, Gump said.
