Family Buries David Koresh in an Unmarked Grave

Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh was buried in an unmarked grave during a quiet ceremony on May 27, his mother said.

“It was a very small affair,” said Koresh’s mother, Bonnie Haldeman. “Only close family members were told. We did not want the publicity of a funeral or anything else. There were no clergy there. David would not have wanted a traditional funeral.”

Four relatives were present for the burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tyler, Haldeman told the Houston Chronicle in a story published Saturday.

Haldeman, her husband, Roy, Koresh’s brother, Roger Howell of Waco, and maternal grandmother Erline Clark of Chandler prayed and read biblical passages.

“The funeral only puts to rest one phase of this,” Haldeman said. “I don’t think I will ever rest in my heart. I didn’t get to see the body, and I’m not even positive that is David there. Who knows?”

A worldwide television audience watched April 19 as a fire devoured the compound of the cult led by Koresh. More than 70 Branch Davidian members, including 17 children under the age of 10, died.

The blaze started a few hours after the FBI began ramming the compound with tanks and injecting tear gas inside in the conclusion of a 51-day standoff following a shootout with federal agents. Four agents and six cult members died in the Feb. 28 gun battle.

Koresh, 33, died of a gunshot wound to the head during the inferno. Officials have not ruled whether Koresh committed suicide, but some forensic investigators have said they believe Koresh’s chief lieutenant, Steve Schneider, killed Koresh. Schneider also died of a gunshot wound.