Century-Old Human Remains Heist: Unearthing the Crypt Theft in Colorado

In a bizarre and unsettling incident, human remains that had been interred for approximately a century were stolen from a private family mausoleum at a cemetery in Colorado. Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to this shocking crime, and an investigation is now in progress.
The Crypt Break-In: A Disturbing Discovery
Deputies were called to Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colo., after an employee, arriving for work, noticed signs of damage to a private mausoleum. The investigation unveiled severe damage to the front of the crypt, indicating that the perpetrators gained access during the overnight hours. The casket that held the decedent’s remains had been pried open, and portions of the body were removed. The estimated damage to the mausoleum amounts to around $30,000. This mausoleum, belonging to a family, contains three crypts, but only the center crypt was disturbed. No other incidents were reported in nearby cemeteries.
A Mysterious Case: Unidentified Remains
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the remains or the family to whom the mausoleum belonged, as they are currently working to locate living relatives. The burials date back to the early 20th century. As of now, there have been no arrests made in connection with this shocking case. Investigators have gathered evidence at the scene and are reviewing security footage to uncover more details.
Possible Felony Charges Looming
This unsettling case could potentially lead to several felony charges, including:
- Abuse of a Corpse: Clearly, the desecration of the remains is a grave violation.
- Criminal Mischief: The extensive damage to the mausoleum carries criminal implications.
- Third-Degree Burglary: Breaking into the crypt is a serious crime in itself.
- Theft: If additional items were stolen from the casket, additional theft charges may be levied. At this point, it’s unclear whether this has occurred.
Community Assistance Sought
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this crime to come forward. If you have any details that could aid the investigation, please contact the Jefferson County tip line at (303) 271-5612. Your assistance may be crucial in solving this disturbing case.
A Macabre Trend: Grave Robberies
While shocking, theft of human remains and other artifacts from cemeteries is not unheard of. In a similar incident, two individuals were incarcerated for stealing human skulls from a cemetery in central Florida in 2021. Reports indicated that these body parts were intended for use in black magic rituals.
The theft of "100-year-old human remains from a crypt in Colorado" serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in safeguarding the sanctity of our final resting places.
Exploring Associated Matters: Further Areas of Interest
100-year-old human remains stolen from a crypt in Colorado – Los …
By Alexandra E. Petri, Staff Writer | October 12, 2023, 5:24 PM PT
In an unsettling incident, human remains, resting in a crypt at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, were stolen from a private family mausoleum. These remains, interred nearly a century ago, have prompted a thorough investigation.
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The Crime Unfolded:
Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene, as an employee arriving for work at the cemetery discovered signs of a break-in. -
A Disturbing Theft:
The intruders forcibly entered the crypt, severely damaging it in the process. They managed to gain access to the casket containing the century-old remains and removed parts of the body. -
Identity Concealed:
The identity of the remains and the family connected to the mausoleum remain undisclosed. Authorities are working diligently to locate living relatives. -
Ongoing Investigation:
As of now, no arrests have been made. Law enforcement is sifting through evidence and scrutinizing security footage for leads. -
Potential Charges:
This case could lead to several felony charges, including abuse of a corpse, criminal mischief, and third-degree burglary. There may also be a theft charge if additional items were taken from the casket.
The theft of 100-year-old human remains from a crypt in Colorado raises unsettling questions about the sanctity of our final resting places.
What happened to human remains buried 100 years ago?
What Became of Human Remains Laid to Rest a Century Ago?
In a deeply unsettling turn of events, human remains that were laid to rest nearly a century ago have been stolen from a private family mausoleum in a Colorado cemetery. Authorities have launched a rigorous investigation into this shocking incident.
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The Crypt Theft:
Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office were called to Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, after an employee noticed signs of a break-in. The front of the crypt was severely damaged, leading to the disturbing revelation. -
Century-Old Desecration:
Intruders accessed the casket holding the remains and removed parts of the body, raising questions about the motive behind this act. -
Identity Concealed:
The identity of the remains and the family connected to the mausoleum remain undisclosed. Authorities are actively seeking living relatives. -
Unraveling the Mystery:
As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigators are diligently examining evidence and security footage for leads. -
Potential Legal Ramifications:
This grave incident may lead to various felony charges, including the abuse of a corpse, criminal mischief, and third-degree burglary. Additional theft charges may apply if other items were taken from the casket.
The theft of century-old human remains in Colorado raises profound questions about the sanctity of our final resting places and the mysterious motivations behind such actions.
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Did man try to buy stolen human remains from Arkansas woman?
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What were the security measures at the cemetery?
Securing the Cemetery: What Measures Were in Place?
Efforts to safeguard the cemetery encompassed a variety of strategies. These included:
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Security Personnel: The presence of security personnel offered a physical deterrent to potential intruders.
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CCTV Cameras: The installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras provided surveillance and monitoring capabilities.
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Ample Lighting: Adequate lighting was ensured to enhance visibility and discourage illicit activities, especially during nighttime.
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Secure Access Points: The establishment of secure access points was integral to controlling entry and exit.
These measures collectively aimed to protect the sanctity of the cemetery and its resting places.