Holly MatkinLancaster, CA – The ashes of a fallen Los Angeles police detective were stolen from his widow’s home by a burglar last week.
The break-in occurred on Feb. 4, when the unidentified home intruder broke out a window, entered the widow’s residence, and took off with her safe and a wooden box containing the ashes of her husband, retired Los Angeles Police Detective Dan Moran, KABC reported.
Det. Moran’s family said the burglar also stole some coins and various other valuables, but that the only thing they are desperate to have returned to them are his ashes.
Steve LaFlower, the victim’s nephew, said Det. Moran’s widow is heartbroken over the incident.
“She’s totally devastated and I can’t imagine what she’s going through,” he told KABC. “She just needs him back. That’s her husband. The love of her life.”
Det. Moran spent most of his 43-year law enforcement career serving at the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Van Nuys station, according to his family.
A heartbreaking burglary. Family members are hoping someone will return a wooden box stolen from a Lancaster woman’s home. It contains the ashes of her late husband. 6pm @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/rllhNnj4tx
— Amy Powell (@abc7amy) February 8, 2021
“Right out of high school, he joined the Army as a military police officer,” LaFlower told KABC. “When he was discharged, he joined the LAPD. He served for 43 years and retired in 2007.”
The longtime detective passed away the following year.
LaFlower said the burglary has reopened old wounds for the entire family.
“It’s as if we’ve lost him again. The grieving process has started all over again,” he told KABC. “She just wants them to have a heart and realize how important this is to her and the whole family and just return it. No questions asked.”
