Cemeteries are supposed to be hallowed places of respect and contemplation. The dead are supposed to be left to rest in peace. It is both a written and unwritten law, don't disturb the dead for any reason.

Unfortunately for those laid to rest in Merrick Cemetery in Violet, Louisiana, someone decided to desecrate a large number of graves.  

Pictures and videos have recently come out showing the burial ground in complete disarray, with coffins, headstones, and human remains strewn about like last week's trash. Families are at a loss, outraged by the callous nature of this crime, as well they should.

This is a level of disrespect that I have a hard time attempting to describe, but the complications from this situation get even more confusing.  

The video is heartbreaking for anyone who has a loved one interred in the cemetery, where are our loved one's remains, and how did this happen. Watch the video for yourself.

Families are attempting to locate and help sort out the mess, but this type of devastation and destruction is hard to figure out from a logistical standpoint.

Because of the massive mess that this had caused, authorities are unsure if this was a "simple" act of vandalism or a case of mass grave robbing? Either way this is a disgusting example of people showing a complete lack of empathy or respect.

Because the cemetery is operated by a non-profit foundation, the upkeep of individual tombs is left up to the family, which is going to make this cleanup a lot harder than it normally would be.