More Than 1,600 Were Buried in a Mass Grave

BOYLE HEIGHTS (CNS) - A solemn memorial service was held today for 1,656 people -- mostly homeless, indigent or just unidentified -- whose remains were buried in a mass grave at the county cemetery.

"These are individuals that, for one reason or another, have no one but the county to provide them with a respectful and dignified burial,'' said Supervisor Don Knabe, who plans to attend the service. ``Some are homeless. Many are poor. Some have no families to grieve for them. But regardless of what their status in life was, each one of their lives mattered. It matters to us.''

The remains of those who were buried were never claimed by family or friends.

The county generally holds the cremated remains for about two years before they are buried at the Los Angeles County Crematory and Cemetery in Boyle Heights.

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