Police searching for statue stolen from family grave site

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

A Massachusetts family is asking for the public’s help in getting back a piece of their family’s grave site. An important statue was stolen from a cemetery last week.

"Last week we learned that someone had taken a statue, a very significant statue, from my grandparents grave,” said Russell Trottier, whose family’s grave site was vandalized.

The statue is a large white angel and it was placed there 20 years ago by Trottier’s grandparents. It served as a headstone for his aunt who died in her early 20’s, and now all that’s left is a patch of dirt.

"My father comes here probably every couple of days and he noticed it right away,” said Trottier.

The statue was cemented deep into the ground and was made of metal, leaving Trottier’s family wondering if this was targeted.

"It had to be down at least a foot if not more. So someone had to really work to get it out of the ground,” Trottier explained.

Uxbridge Police are now investigating the incident and we’re told since Trottier notified them, a similar report has been filed. Another headstone at St. Mary’s was damaged. Police say several years ago they had a spree of vandalism there, but this is the first time they’ve ever seen someone steal a piece of a grave site.

As police continue to search for answers, Trottier says all he wants is for the statue to be returned.

"It’s just really special to my family. We don’t even want any questions asked. Just bring it back. Just bring it back,” said Trottier.

If you have any information about this theft, you’re asked to call Uxbridge Police at 508-278-7755.

© WLNE-TV 2016