They Stole His Daughter’s Ashes from the Cemetery

A family in Benque is desperately seeking the public’s assistance in locating a stolen urn containing the ashes of their loved one, 40-year-old Indira Theus. The urn, which featured photos of Theus and her family, was taken from a burglar bar enclosure at the cemetery where it was stored.

According to Alfredo Chavarria, Theus’ father, the family visits the site every two weeks to maintain the memorial and light candles in her honor. However, during their most recent visit, they were met with devastation.

“When we went today to change the battery for the candle, we found that the cage was open, and everything inside was gone,” Chavarria said. “The urn, the photo, the battery-operated candle, and the flowers were all taken.”

Chavarria shared that his daughter passed away in the United States on September 6, 2023, and her ashes were brought back to Belize for safekeeping. Her remains were placed inside a specially designed urn bearing family photos, making it easily recognisable.

The family has not yet filed an official police report but has informed the local town board about the theft. Chavarria is appealing to the public to be on the lookout for the distinctive urn, especially if anyone attempts to sell it.

“If anybody sees someone trying to sell an urn with family photos on it—including myself, her children, and other family members—please report it,” he urged. The family hopes that the public will help them recover the urn and, more importantly, the ashes of their loved one. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the family or report it to local authorities.