В Гвиннетте протестуют из-за забора на историческом кладбище, который, по словам активистов, мог быть построен над некрополями

Жители округа Гвиннетт провели акцию протеста против продажи земли и возведения забора рядом с историческим кладбищем, утверждая, что ограждение нарушает федеральные законы, перекрывая непомеченные могилы. Власти и представители церкви проводят расследование с использованием георадара для проверки наличия останков под новым забором.

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Fence erected near historic Gwinnett cemetery sparks protests LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A group of Gwinnett County residents protested outside the courthouse Wednesday, calling for answers about the sale of property next to a historic cemetery and a privacy fence they say may have been built over unmarked graves. The protesters are questioning Assistant District Attorney John Melvin, who sold the property in 2025 to LifePointe United Pentecostal Church on Dogwood Road. The church later built a privacy fence between its property and the cemetery. The church pastor previously told Atlanta News First the fence was built because some parishioners did not like looking at the cemetery. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Cemetery fence in Gwinnett County causing controversy Now, descendants of people buried in the cemetery say the fence may have been built directly over graves. Protesters said ground-penetrating radar testing identified at least two possible unmarked graves beneath the fence. “One is right through the skull of one of our ancestors,” protester Susan Butler said. “This is a federal offense, but nobody wants to take accountability.” State Sen. Rick Williams, who is also a funeral director, said the alleged disturbance of human remains would violate state and federal law. “Human remains have been disturbed, and the contents of those graves have been disturbed, and this is against state and federal law,” Williams said. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Families claim privacy fence is disturbing graves at Gwinnett County cemetery The cemetery remains important to local families, some of whom say their relatives have been buried there for generations. Protester Debra Tarver said her family has cared for the cemetery since the 1830s. “There is no way [Melvin] had any claim to our family cemetery that we have taken care of since 1833,” Tarver said. Melvin told Atlanta News First that the sale of the property was above board. He also said he no longer has a stake in the dispute, saying he has “no dog in the fight.” Cindy Clanton, another protester, said she believes the dispute could be resolved if the fence were removed. “It was all unnecessary and if they had taken down the fence, I’m pretty sure people could live happily ever after but the transaction is questionable,” Clanton said. The pastor of LifePointe declined to comment Monday when Atlanta News First asked about the ground-penetrating radar results. Protesters are expected to continue investigating the area, with Williams, an archaeologist and representatives from the medical examiner’s office expected to examine the site. The investigation is aimed at determining whether any graves or human remains were disturbed when the fence was installed. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.