Police Need Help Finding Thief Who Stole Human Ashes, $350K in Gemstones

Pierce County Sheriff’s detectives are asking the public’s help in finding the suspect(s) responsible for a vehicle prowl and the theft of large quantity of rare gemstones, according to Crime Stoppers Tacoma/Pierce County.

Sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, unidentified suspect(s) broke into a truck parked at the Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place. 

During the vehicle prowl, numerous items were stolen from the truck including a metal briefcase containing approximately 3,000 Oregon sunstone gemstones, two gold sunstone rings, 30 silver sunstone rings and a gold bracelet containing 34 multi-colored sunstones.

According to the University Place Police, the victim was parked in the turnaround area of the clubhouse and had locked a briefcase full of gems in his car and covered his briefcase with a jacket while he played a round of golf. He was in town doing business and told police he doesn’t usually leave the gems in his car, which were worth more than $350,000.

An iPhone 4, a Kindle Fire and a green Cabelas brand suitcase were also stolen from inside the truck. Inside the suitcase contained the victim’s son’s ashes, which were anonymously mailed to the victim several days later.

Investigators found that the lock on the driver side had been punched to gain entry.

The Crime Stoppers Tacoma/Pierce County is offering a reward up to $1,000 for any information leading to the arrest and charges filed for the suspect.

If you have any information, call 253-591-5959. All callers will remain anonymous.