Spokane County detectives seek help in cemetery urn theft

Investigators say an urn containing cremated remains was stolen from a local cemetery wall niche.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:17am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged cemetery urn, the metal surface scarred and dented, reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the investigative nature of this property crime.The theft of a cremation urn from a local cemetery has sparked an investigation, exposing the vulnerability of sacred resting places.Spokane Today

Detectives with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office are asking for the public's help as they investigate the theft of an urn containing cremated remains from a local cemetery. The incident was reported on March 24 by an employee at Fairmount Memorial Home, who told deputies that someone had broken into a wall niche and taken the urn. Investigators said they do not know when the theft occurred, but it appears to have been targeted, as no other damage or theft was reported at the cemetery.

Why it matters

The theft of an urn containing cremated remains from a cemetery is a deeply disturbing and disrespectful act that can cause immense emotional distress for the deceased's loved ones. Detectives are seeking the public's assistance to help recover the urn and bring the perpetrator to justice.

The details

According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, the incident was reported on March 24 by an employee at Fairmount Memorial Home, located at 508 N. Government Way. The employee told deputies that someone had broken into a wall niche and taken the urn. Investigators said they do not know when the theft occurred, but it appears to have been targeted, as no other damage or theft was reported at the cemetery.

  • The incident was reported on March 24, 2026.
  • The theft appears to have occurred at an unknown time prior to the report.

The players

Spokane County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the theft of the urn containing cremated remains from a local cemetery.

Fairmount Memorial Home

The cemetery where the theft occurred, located at 508 N. Government Way in Spokane, Washington.

Detective T. Walton

The lead investigator on the case, who is asking the public for any information that could assist in recovering the urn and remains.

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What’s next

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the stolen urn to contact Detective T. Walton at 509-477-3478 and reference case number 2026-10038720.

The takeaway

The theft of an urn containing cremated remains from a cemetery is a deeply disturbing and disrespectful act that can cause immense emotional distress for the deceased's loved ones. Detectives are seeking the public's assistance to help recover the urn and bring the perpetrator to justice, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in solving such sensitive crimes.