Thieves take Luggage Containing Family Member’s Ashes NR11504kr

October 30, 2011

***UPDATE***

On October 30, 2011, at about 7:30 a.m., security guards at the shopping mall at Owensmouth Avenue and Erwin Street found a duffle bag lying in the parking lot. They looked inside and immediately realized what the items were, and contacted the LAPD. The duffle bag contained many of the items taken during the Burglary from Motor Vehicle that occurred on October 24, 2011, including the box of human remains. The items have been returned to the family. The investigation is ongoing and detectives are still asking for any with information about this case to contact Topanga Area Watch Commander at 818-756-4800.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Los Angeles:  Burglary from Motor Vehicle (BFMV) suspect(s) got away with more than personal property Monday night when they also took a beloved family member’s cremated remains.

On October 24, 2011, between 6:45 p.m. and 9:40 p.m., the victim parked their GMC Yukon Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at a shopping center parking lot near Owensmouth Avenue and Erwin Street. The suspect(s) broke into the SUV and took two pieces of luggage and a carry-on bag. The carry-on luggage contained a brown box, inside a white plastic bag, which held the ashes of the victim’s mother. The victim had been packed for an early morning flight to the East Coast to spread the ashes.

On October 25, 2011 at about 3 p.m. the family of the victim received a call that someone had found the luggage. Upon retrieving the luggage, it was discovered that items were missing from the suitcases, but the carry-on back was not among the found items.The missing carry-on bag carrying the ashes is described as black canvas bag, with a “St. John” logo on it.

Any with information about this case is asked to contact Topanga Area Watch Commander at 818-756-4800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.