| Updated: 11/13/2012 8:47 pm |
Published: 11/13/2012 11:20 am
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Broken Arrow police are investigating grave tampering at Floral Haven.
Police say skeletal remains were removed from an above ground tomb. Officials say the tomb had been in place for 25 years. The suspect(s) removed a marble slab on the tomb and took the remains out of the tomb before leaving the scene.
The Floral Haven general manager says their concern is for the family and they are working very closely with police. Police are attempting to locate and inform family members about the incident.
Broken Arrow Police are almost speechless about the crime.
“I've been an officer here in Broken Arrow for a little over 16 years, and I do not recall a case similar to this in any way,” Corporal Leon Calhoun told FOX23.
People with family members interned at floral haven are quick to call it like they see it.
“I was disgusted. I mean who goes into a grave after so many years, it's disgusting,” Kelly Walton said.
Sixteen years ago, Walton's father was buried at Floral Haven. Now, she's thinking about a family she doesn't even know, whose relative's remains are now in someone else’s hands.
“Why do that to a family to make them grieve again, for their loved on that was lost?” She asked.
She's not sure the remains are what the culprits were after.
“I wondered when I first heard it, if maybe the person was buried with jewelry, gold, something that maybe after so many years, somebody wanted it.”
Police believe this is an isolated incident. They hope the thieves see the media coverage and realize what they've done and contact the department to return the remains.
“Something could be worked out to get those returned, obviously not going to make any guarantees as far as what’s going to happen as far as consequences,” Corporal Calhoun said.
Walton hopes so too, and has a message for the criminals.
“You don't hurt somebody like this. That could be your family member that you just desecrated, and now you have to deal with that person's not going to rest right now.”
Floral Haven declined to talk on-camera with FOX23 for this story, but did say their concern was with the family and they would work with police to make sure this doesn't happen again.
Any one with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS.
