Which Was the Biggest Grave Robbery? Renowned Figures Subjected to Disgraceful Attempts

When we think of notable figures, their legacy often transcends their lifetime, leaving an indelible mark on the collective subconscious. However, the descent into infamy can sometimes take an even darker path—namely, grave robbing. This article explores two instances of such attempts, one concerning the beloved actor Charlie Chaplin and the other the legendary musician Elvis Presley.

The Charlie Chaplin Case: A Dark Comedy Unfolding in Switzerland

Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, the iconic actor and humorist, passed away on Christmas Day in 1977 in Switzerland. What followed his death was somewhat unexpected: in March or April of 1978, his coffin was stolen. The case caught the attention of Interpol and the Swiss Police, who found the coffin and Chaplin’s body soon after the theft. Although the motivations behind this crime remain a mystery, the sheer audacity of the act highlights the dark side of celebrity.

Losing Elvis: An Elusive and High-Profile Heist from Memphis

Far from just a tale from across the Atlantic, the world of grave robbing has not spared the sacred ground of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. In August 1977, just two weeks after his passing, the story emerged about a plot to steal his 900-pound steel-lined copper-plated coffin. According to informant Ronnie Adkins, a group devised a scheme to extort a ransom of $10 million for Elvis’s body, with each participant set to receive $40,000.

The police establishment sprang into action, forming a task force to monitor the Forest Hills Cemetery in Memphis. They managed to catch Ray Green Eugene Nelson, Ronnie Adkins, and another individual named Raymond Green as they loitered near Presley’s mausoleum. However, the method they intended to use to remove the coffin, without any tools or explosives, boggles the mind. The Memphis police were left puzzled and, unable to find compelling evidence, eventually released the suspects only on charges of criminal trespassing.

Despite the lack of evidence and the questionable nature of the entire operation, the incident was taken seriously, with the Presley estate moving Elvis’s and his mother’s remains to Graceland. Here, they could be closely monitored 24/7 by security staff and surveillance cameras. Today, both bodies continue to be a major attraction for fans and visitors, much to the relief of the Presley family and estate managers.

Conclusion

These instances of attempted grave robbery serve as stark reminders of human greed and the lengths some are willing to go to for material gain. While the outcome for both Charlie Chaplin and Elvis Presley remained unscathed, the stories add a tragic layer to their legacies. As we celebrate their contributions to the arts, it is a sobering thought to recall the equally dark side of fame. Whether in the shadow of snowy Swiss mountains or the evocative judiciary district of Memphis, the ghosts of these past attempts loom.

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