Video shows thief taking ring off dead woman's finger in casket
ODESSA, Texas - Published April 12, 2016
Authorities in Texas said Monday they have received several tips, but made no arrests in the case of a woman who stole a $10 ring off the finger of a dead woman as her body lay in an open casket.
Odessa Police said the theft occurred on Friday at the Sunset Funeral Home. The deceased victim was 88-year-old Lois Hicks, who had passed away the day before.
Vel McKee, Hicks's daughter, told the Odessa American that the ring had symbolized Lois' devotion to her husband Gayle, who had died three years earlier.
"It makes me sick to my stomach," McKee said after viewing surveillance video of the theft. "Horrible. I hope they catch her."
The suspect is described as:
- a heavy set white female
- wearing a brown long sleeve sweater
- black sweat pants
- black sandals
- fled the scene in a red or maroon 4-door Saturn
Case #16-7866On 4-9-16 at approximately 1344 hours, Odessa Police responded to 6801 East Highway 80 (Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home) in reference to a theft from a deceased person. Investigation revealed that on 4-8-16 at approximately 1730 hours, an unknown female subject stole a ring off a deceased person and fled the scene in a red or maroon 4-door Saturn. The suspect is described as a heavy set white female wearing a brown long sleeve sweater, black sweat pants and black sandals. This is currently being investigated as a State Jail Felony. No arrests have been made and the investigation continues. Anyone with information in reference to this incident is encouraged to contact OPD or Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS.