In 1989, other reports say 1992, human remains were discovered in the gravel quarry on the outskirts of the town of Kem at the 8th km of the Kem-Kalevala Road (then the 6th km of the Kem-Ukhta road). There were bullet holes in the skulls. It is reported that Ivan Chukhin found the remains and they were subsequently studied by Yury Dmitriev.

From archival evidence the Petrozavodsk prosecutor’s office established that these were the remains of people shot in 1937 during the Great Terror by the Kem district NKVD. The executions were carried out in the strictest secrecy. It is not known how many were shot; some evidence indicates there were about fifteen victims. Their case files are held in the prosecutor’s office archive. The remains were reburied by the entrance to the old town cemetery, and two crosses were placed over the burial.

In 1997, not far from the place of discovery, Father Vladimir (Alyoshin), incumbent of the Church of the Annunciation in Kem, erected a memorial cross by the side of the road, bearing the inscription, “This cross has been placed here in memory of the victims of political repression shot in 1937. May they rest in peace. October 1997”. Subsequently a wreath was attached to the cross with the message, “To my dear father”. Official ceremonies are not held here.