A multistate investigation has led to the arrests of three men suspected of using information in published obituaries to burglarize homes while grieving families attend services.
The sheriff in Reno, Nevada, calls the burglaries a “horrific type of crime” targeting the elderly when they are most vulnerable.
Besides stealing tens of thousands of dollars in collectibles, jewelry, guns, heirlooms and silver dinnerware, detectives say the suspects inflicted added emotional turmoil by ransacking the homes.
Investigators believe 19-year-old Richard Charles Hery was a key player in at least seven such break-ins that occurred in southwest Reno from early April through May. They say six other similar burglaries are under investigation, and there could be more.
Hery was arrested in Tucson. Police say they received a tip that similar crimes were being planned there
