WATCH ABOVE: A family is pleading for the return of a stolen pendant that contains the ashes of their young son who was killed in a plane crash. Quinn Ohler reports.
EDMONTON – An Edmonton couple’s prayers for the return of a necklace that contains their nine-year-old son’s ashes have been answered.
The stolen pendant was turned over to police last Wednesday, a day after the family put out a plea for its return. It was found in the downtown Edmonton area by an individual who wishes to remain anonymous; and then returned to the Pentecost family on Sunday.
“We’d just really like his remains back,” said a tearful Crystal Pentecost last week.
The necklace belongs to Crystal and her husband David, whose son Dawson was killed in a plane crash in Manitoba on Feb. 10, 2013.
Police say the necklace — a cremation pendant — was stolen during an attempted vehicle theft in Edmonton on July 18.
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Officers were called to the area of 113 Ave. and 86 St. on July 18 after a man reportedly broke into a red and black, 4-door Dodge Ram. After the suspect was unable to start the vehicle, he allegedly took the necklace, which was hanging on the rear-view mirror, and loose change from the truck. He then took off on foot.
The Manitoba couple had just moved to Edmonton two weeks before the theft happened. They say they wanted a new beginning for their three boys.
“The reason we moved here is because there has to be a reason to pack that dresser and go through his stuff,” Crystal said as she clutched a picture of her son in her arms last week.
Crystal, David and their three sons each wear a necklace containing Dawson’s remains. Crystals says one of her sons wanted to keep his necklace in her husband’s truck, because Dawson loved going for truck rides with his dad.
“It was like losing him again,” Crystal said of the necklace being stolen.
“He was angelic. He was funny, smart, yet quiet. You wouldn’t hear anybody say anything bad about him.”
“It’s very likely that the thief had no idea about the tremendous sentimental value of this piece of jewelry,” said Cst. Michael Roblin with the Edmonton Police Service.
“It was heartbreaking. It’s one of those things that, insurance can’t cover this, you can’t replace this.”
The Pentecosts would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to everyone who helped with finding the pendant, which was damaged when they got it back. However, an Edmonton funeral home has offered to replace it for free.