Con Artists Swindle Woman’s Precious Necklace with Late Daughter’s Ashes in East L.A.
In a heartbreaking incident in East Los Angeles, con artists targeted an elderly woman, stealing a necklace that held profound sentimental value. The necklace contained the ashes of her late daughter, a retired sheriff’s deputy, who tragically lost her life in a car accident.
Incident Overview
On Monday, an elderly woman named Esther was approached by a pair of scammers while returning home from shopping. The incident took place on South Gerhart Avenue, where a man driving a car asked Esther for directions. Meanwhile, a woman in the vehicle exited and made an emotional plea.
The Deceptive Encounter
- The woman claimed her mother was hospitalized and requested Esther to pray for her.
- Esther was then hugged and given a cheap necklace, under the pretext of gratitude.
- As this occurred, the scammers took Esther’s gold necklace, which held her daughter’s ashes.
Esther’s son, David Guerrero, recounted the painful moment when his mother realized her necklace had been taken. “She was putting the gold chain on her, and that’s when her real chain was stolen,” he stated. The gold necklace was not only valuable but also irreplaceable due to its connection to Veronika Garcia, Esther’s daughter.
About Veronika Garcia
Veronika Garcia, aged 54, was dedicated to her career as a deputy in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Earlier this year, she died in a traffic accident in Idaho, leaving behind a grieving family. Her ashes were kept in the cross of Esther’s necklace, making the theft particularly devastating.
Family’s Plea for Help
The Guerrero family is appealing for assistance from the community. They hope that someone may recognize the vehicle involved in the theft or have information regarding the incident. “My sister’s ashes were there, so that’s why it hurts even more,” David expressed. “I just hope they didn’t sell it or something that we can give it to my mother.”
This incident highlights the vulnerability of the elderly to scams, especially those exploiting emotional appeals. The family is urging that anyone with information contact the sheriff’s department, emphasizing the need to protect cherished memories and belongings.
