Urn of fallen soldier stolen in Livonia
Posted: 08/09/2012
LIVONIA, Mich. (WXYZ) - The urn of a fallen soldier was stolen from a parked car in Livonia on July 8 and now Crimestoppers is offering a reward for help in solving the case.
The teal and black urn containing the ashes of 21-year-old Brian Backus was stolen last month out of a Ford Mustang sitting in a driveway on Arcola Road at Howell Road in Livonia.
The urn belonged to Mike Oliver II. He was best friend's with Brian Backus. After Private Backus was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan, his family gave Mike some of Backus' ashes.
MIke's father says "My son's totally devastated. This is the first time that he's been without him (Brian)."
Crime Stoppers reports the thief also took other items including a GPS and an army uniform.
Backus served as a private in the United States Army and was the father of a 3-year-old boy.
"We suspect they didn' t know what they had. They probably think it's just a cute little vase, but it's more than that to a lot of people," says Oliver.
Crime Stoppers of Michigan is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-SPEAK-UP or 1-800-773-2587. You can remain anonymous.
If the tip comes in by midnight on Friday, the reward is $2,000.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
PRINTTop Stories
-
Reaction to Boy Scouts gay ban vote
The Boy Scouts of America have voted to allow openly gay scouts to join their ranks while still banning gay leaders. Many say this is a start, but not good enough.
-
Hamtramck could be next city with EM
Another Michigan city could be on the verge of having the state appoint an emergency manager. A state report makes it official, but Mayor Karen Majewski says Hamtramck leaders have known for years the city is in a state of financial emergency.
-
Bridge collapses in Washington State
An Interstate 5 bridge over a river north of Seattle collapsed Thursday evening, dumping vehicles and people into the water, the Washington State Patrol said.
