Denver police have arrested John Wayne Belknap, 46, in connection to the theft and desecration at Crown Hill Cemetery in Jefferson County. Belknap is being held in the Jefferson County jail on charges of felony criminal mischief, abuse of a corpse, third-degree burglary, theft, and desecration of a venerated object, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on October 11 when deputies responded to a report of damage to a mausoleum at Crown Hill Cemetery. Upon arrival, severe damage to the crypt front and the crypt and casket inside were discovered. Belknap allegedly entered the cemetery during overnight hours, forced entry into the crypt, and gained access to the casket.
Investigators have identified Belknap through evidence left at the scene. It is reported that he does not have any known relationship with the decedents entombed in the mausoleum.
Authorities are still searching for the stolen body parts. The investigation is ongoing, and further details have not been released at this time.
