Skull found in Batavia in 1978 identified as likely victim of Indiana ‘grave robbery,’ authorities say

BATAVIA, Ill. – Kane County authorities and investigators on Thursday revealed the identity of the woman whose skull was found in 1978 in west suburban Batavia.

The skull was discovered inside a wall during a home renovation in 1978. It was previously subjected to testing at the Department of Anthropology at Northern Illinois University.

With the help of Othram Laboratory forensic investigators, the Kane County coroner’s office determined the skull belonged to Esther Ann Granger.

Ester was born in 1848 in Indiana. She was married at 16 to Charles Granger. She gave birth to a daughter, also named Esther, in 1866, but soon after died from complications in childbirth.

Esther Granger was buried in Merrillville, Indiana.

“If she died in 1866 in Indiana, how did she end up on the wall of a house in Batavia? We will never know exactly, but with records and good motive, we have come up with a common-sense theory: We believe Esther was the victim of grave robbing,” said Kane County Coroner Robert Russell.

A 3D printed replica of Esther Ann Granger’s skull (right) Composite forensic sketch of Esther by Natalie Murry | Kane County Coroner’s Office.

Russell said grave robbing was quite common and extremely profitable at that time. Grave robbers could earn the equivalent of three to four months’ wages in a single work week of around 60 hours.

“A body every few months would give a grave robber a reasonable living, which is why it was so attractive back then,” Russell said.

After identifying Esther, Kane County investigators were able to contact her great-grandson and, with her family’s permission, buried Esther’s remains in Batavia at the West Batavia Cemetery.