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Metro Atlanta

Georgia crematory operator released from prison

Ray Brent Marsh walked out of the Central State Prison in Bibb County on Wed., June 29, 2016. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
Ray Brent Marsh walked out of the Central State Prison in Bibb County on Wed., June 29, 2016. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
By Rodney Thrash
June 29, 2016

Ray Brent Marsh, the operator of a northwest Georgia crematory where 334 corpses were discovered in 2002, was released from prison Wednesday.

Acting on a tip in February 2002, investigators discovered a ghastly scene of bodies buried, stacked and strewn about the Tri-State Crematory in the Noble community. The case made international news and inspired a film.

Marsh pleaded guilty to 787 counts of theft, abuse of a corpse, burial service fraud and making false statements. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2004. Marsh walked out of the Central State Prison in Bibb County on Wednesday, accompanied by his attorney, according to Channel 2 Action News.

The Tri-State Crematory was torn down in 2005 as part of a settlement with relatives of people sent there.

About the Author

Rodney Thrash is the morning breaking news coach for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has been with the paper since November 2013.

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