A Las Vegas woman has reportedly been charged with grand theft, burglary and criminal mischief after she allegedly stole a casket containing a body from a funeral home on August 27.
Patricia Sierra, 47, allegedly committed the crime at about 3 a.m. at the Affordable Cremation and Burial Services funeral home. 8NewsNow.
According to police documents obtained by 8News Now, a passerby told authorities they saw a body lying face down in front of the funeral home, where police said the body was scheduled to be placed there the previous day.
The media reported that security camera footage showed the suspect breaking a window and entering the funeral home. The footage also showed the suspect removing the coffin from the morgue and leaving it outside. Police said the body was later found in a flower pot outside the funeral home. (RELATED: Family claims Mississippi funeral home put wrong body in casket)
“Due to the ongoing investigation we are unable to comment, but can say that an individual was arrested after attempting to break into our facility,” a representative for Affordable Cremation and Burial Services was quoted as saying.
Police found Sierra two days later at a convenience store after witnesses recognized her, according to 8 News Now. The arrest report states the suspect has a history of drug abuse. Fox 5 VegasShe reportedly told investigators she didn't remember the incident and claimed she would sometimes “black out,” according to the arrest report.
The suspect admitted to having been drinking alcohol, according to the media. He told police he did not act with malicious intent, according to an arrest report. The suspect also confessed to previously breaking into the store by using a rock to break into the store, according to the media.
According to the outlet, Sierra is currently being held on $11,000 bail and her preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 18th.