Gone South: S4|E32 - The Cemetery Detective
Introduction: New Orleans’ Gothic Allure and the Rise of the Cemetery Beat
New Orleans, often celebrated as America’s most gothic city, is renowned for its wrought iron balconies, jazz funerals, and an atmosphere of humid decay. This rich cultural tapestry set the stage for a unique criminal phenomenon in the 1990s. In Season 4, Episode 32 of Gone South, host Jed Lipinski delves into the intriguing story of Eric Morton, a New Orleans police officer who became the city’s first cemetery detective.
Narrator (Jed Lipinski): "New Orleans has always been America's most gothic city... No one was more aware of this trend than New Orleans police officer Eric Morton." ([02:00])
Formation of the Cemetery Unit
Amidst a surge of misbehavior in the city’s cemeteries during the mid-90s, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) established a dedicated cemetery unit. Officer Eric Morton, a native New Orleanian with a deep appreciation for the city’s historic cemeteries, was chosen as its first member.
David Damanisi: "They did. They basically called us the cemetery police, you know, so here comes the cemetery police." ([03:11])
The Onset of Cemetery Thefts
Initially, the thefts were minor—vases moved between tombs and small artifacts disappearing. However, in the fall of 1997, the scale escalated dramatically. Ornate marble statues, benches, and other significant items began vanishing from some of the city’s most prestigious cemeteries, including those of prominent figures like Ted Brennan and Lucille Prima.
Lucille Prima: "They stole my family’s angels from the tomb. It was like losing a part of our soul." ([07:44])
These high-profile thefts not only targeted valuable items but also deeply affected grieving families, transforming the investigation into a matter of preserving the sanctity and memory of the deceased.
Investigative Breakthrough: Tracking the Stolen Artifacts
As reports of stolen items spread nationwide, with artifacts appearing in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, Eric Morton began to suspect that the thefts were part of a larger, organized operation. The turning point came when a groundskeeper at Lake Lawn Cemetery provided a crucial lead.
Groundskeeper: "I saw two men trying to break a statue, then they sped away in a white van." ([09:34])
This eyewitness account led Morton to Mildred Campo, whose son, Carl Campo, was found in possession of stolen items. This arrest unveiled a network that extended beyond desperate addicts to include savvy antique dealers eager to exploit the lucrative market for cemetery artifacts.
The Mastermind Revealed: David Damanisi’s Role
Carl Campo revealed that David Damanisi was the mastermind behind the thefts. Damanisi, struggling with heroin addiction, initially turned to stealing flower pots to support his habit. Recognizing the high value of cemetery statues, he orchestrated a more profitable scheme, targeting abandoned tombs and selling the artifacts to local antique dealers.
David Damanisi: "We’d take and empty out the flowers sometimes right there on the people’s lawn uptown." ([16:29])
Under his leadership, the operation expanded, generating significant illicit profits by supplying dealers who catered to the emerging "cemetery chic" trend in design.
Unraveling the Conspiracy: Law Enforcement’s Efforts
With Damanisi’s cooperation, Morton and his partner Detective Larry Greene zeroed in on involved antique dealers and collectors. Their investigation led to several raids:
- Barristers Gallery: Although initially hosting bizarre items like human skulls and shrunken heads, no cemetery artifacts were found here.
- Patou’s Antiques: This establishment proved to be the epicenter, where numerous stolen items were discovered. The owner, Peter Patou, initially denied any wrongdoing but eventually admitted to purchasing the items from Damanisi under false pretenses.
Peter Patou: "If they're from a cemetery, then that's where they belong." ([27:47])
These discoveries confirmed that the thefts were not just random acts of vandalism but a coordinated effort to plunder New Orleans’ historic cemeteries.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
The investigation culminated in a high-profile trial in May 2000. While Damanisi pleaded guilty and cooperated fully, leading to substantial recoveries and arrests, the court proceedings for the antique dealers were mixed. Peter Patou was convicted of conspiracy and possessing stolen property, receiving a six-year sentence. However, other defendants were acquitted due to challenges in proving their knowledge and intent.
David Damanisi: "To prove conspiracy and possession, you have to prove knowledge. It's very difficult to prove what's in someone's head." ([32:52])
Despite the legal setbacks, the NOPD managed to recover over half a million dollars worth of stolen artifacts and provide restitution to affected families.
Long-Term Impact and Legacy
Seven years post-investigation, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans’ cemeteries, further endangering the historic sites. Today, these cemeteries face challenges of maintenance and funding, shifting from sanctuaries of memory to tourist attractions buzzing with social media activity.
Eric Morton, though reassigned and eventually retiring from the NOPD, remained haunted by the case. His relentless pursuit symbolized a deeper commitment to preserving the city’s heritage against both human and natural threats.
Narrator (Jed Lipinski): "But Eric Morton couldn't let go of the case. He disappeared down rabbit holes, demanding deeper investigations that never truly materialized." ([34:06])
Conclusion: A City’s Heritage at Stake
Gone South’s episode on "The Cemetery Detective" not only recounts a thrilling true crime story but also underscores the fragile balance between preserving history and combating crime. As New Orleans continues to evolve, the legacy of officers like Eric Morton serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the stories and souls interred within its historic grounds.
Notable Quotes:
- David Damanisi: "We're gonna get him out, right? We're gonna get him out and get him talking." ([15:12])
- Lucille Prima: "They took him from me. They took him from me." ([07:55])
- Peter Patou: "If they're from a cemetery, then that's where they belong." ([27:47])
Key Takeaways:
- Historical Preservation vs. Crime: The thefts highlighted the vulnerability of historical sites and the lengths some would go to capitalize on their value.
- Organized Crime Evolution: What began as petty thefts escalated into a sophisticated racket involving addiction-driven desperation and opportunistic profiteering.
- Law Enforcement Challenges: Proving criminal intent and conspiracy in court proved difficult, underscoring the complexities of legal proceedings in organized crime cases.
- Cultural Impact: The case shed light on changing cultural trends like "cemetery chic," which contributed to the demand for stolen artifacts, intertwining fashion with historical desecration.
Final Thoughts:
Jed Lipinski’s Gone South masterfully intertwines crime, culture, and human emotion, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging exploration of one of New Orleans’ most peculiar criminal cases. For those fascinated by true crime and Southern heritage, this episode is a compelling listen that illuminates the darker undercurrents of a city rich in history and tradition.