A New Jersey dentist behind a scheme to steal body parts from corpses, including that of journalist Alistair Cooke, faced relatives of the dead in court today and apologised for the anguish he caused.
Michael Mastromarino (44), in March admitted to leading a $4.6 million operation that stole body parts from funeral homes in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The ring dismembered more than 1,000 cadavers in unsanitary conditions, and sold parts to doctors who transplanted them into patients.
Mr Mastromarino has pleaded guilty to body stealing, reckless endangerment and enterprise corruption. He faces 18 to 54 years in prison and is due to be sentenced on June 22nd.
"I am truly sorry for the pain that I have caused," Mr Mastromarino said, turning to face five people who were in court to deliver statements. "May God have mercy on my soul."
Speaking outside the courtroom, relatives called his words hollow and urged State Supreme Court Judge John Walsh to put him in prison for the rest of his life.
"I felt like he had to say that. It wasn't from his heart," said Anthony Dumaine (43), whose father, Thomas, had his body desecrated by Mastromarino's ring in 2003.
"What people do for greed is unimaginable," said Karen DelRe. Her father, James Thornton, had body parts removed in 2004.