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Denver police arrest suspect in connection to grave robbery

John Wayne Belknap, 46, was arrested on charges of abuse of a corpse

Denver police arrested a man in connection to theft of body parts from a mausoleum located at the Crown Hill Cemetery.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s investigators issued a warrant for the arrest of 46-year-old John Wayne Belknap on Tuesday, according to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Following evidence at the scene, investigators were able to connect Belknap to a grave robbery that occurred on Oct. 11.

Deputies responded to a call at the Crown Hill Cemetery around 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 11 regarding the destruction of a private mausoleum. The suspect had allegedly broken into the crypt and forcefully opened a casket inside. Portions of the body in the casket were missing.

Denver officers arrested Belknap on Tuesday evening on charges of felony criminal mischief, abuse of a corpse, 3rd degree burglary, theft and desecration of a venerated object, according to the press release. He is currently being held in the Jefferson County jail.

Investigators said there doesn’t seem to be a direct relationship between Belknap and the deceased body.

John Wayne Belknap was arrested in connection to vandalism and abuse of a corpse at the Crown Hill Cemetery at 7777 West 29 Avenue on Oct. 11. The body parts stolen from the remains have not been found. (Courtesy: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office)
John Wayne Belknap was arrested in connection to vandalism and abuse of a corpse at the Crown Hill Cemetery at 7777 West 29 Avenue on Oct. 11. The body parts stolen from the remains have not been found. (Courtesy: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)


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