UPDATE: Turkey has been Returned to Family -Chandler Family Searching For Thief Who Stole From Son's Grave
By: Tabnie Dozier
Updated: November 30, 2012
Update. According to Blakes Mother, they received a call around 10pm Thursday night to go pick up the turkey. She thanks the community's help in locating the stolen Turkey. " I truly believe that its because of the publicity and a whole lot of love for Blake that still lives today that his turkey was returned"
A Warrick County family says it's been kicked while being down after a decoration is stolen from a teenager's grave. 16-year old Castle High Student Blake Sales committed suicide by shooting himself in the school's parking lot, it happened in 2006. Family members honor Blake by decorating his grave for the holidays, but Monday Chandler Police say one of the items was taken. While the loss of a child is never easy, the holidays only escalate the sadness. Blake Sales' Step-father talks to us at Blake's grave site, as he tries to make sense of a senseless act. Greenwood Cemetery is a sanctuary for Christopher McDaniel and his family. A place to be closer to Blake Sales. A giant hole in his heart, that's deeper now after he says someone stole a turkey decoration that read "Happy Turkey Day Blake." For McDaniel's wife, Blake's mom, the thief took more than a decoration. McDaniel is the rock for his wife and two girls, often unable to show emotion to be strong for them, but wiping away his tears, you can only be strong for so long. His breaking point, days after Blake's funeral. Now another loss, a materialistic decoration that provided joy. All McDaniel wants this holiday, the decoration put back on his step-son's grave so this sanctuary can be just as it was, peaceful and intact, true respect for the lives lost. The suspect faces a theft charge which is a felony, but McDaniel says he's willing to look past the crime and is offering a reward for the safe return of the decoration that can be claimed anonymously.
A Warrick County family says it's been kicked while being down after a decoration is stolen from a teenager's grave. 16-year old Castle High Student Blake Sales committed suicide by shooting himself in the school's parking lot, it happened in 2006. Family members honor Blake by decorating his grave for the holidays, but Monday Chandler Police say one of the items was taken. While the loss of a child is never easy, the holidays only escalate the sadness. Blake Sales' Step-father talks to us at Blake's grave site, as he tries to make sense of a senseless act. Greenwood Cemetery is a sanctuary for Christopher McDaniel and his family. A place to be closer to Blake Sales. A giant hole in his heart, that's deeper now after he says someone stole a turkey decoration that read "Happy Turkey Day Blake." For McDaniel's wife, Blake's mom, the thief took more than a decoration. McDaniel is the rock for his wife and two girls, often unable to show emotion to be strong for them, but wiping away his tears, you can only be strong for so long. His breaking point, days after Blake's funeral. Now another loss, a materialistic decoration that provided joy. All McDaniel wants this holiday, the decoration put back on his step-son's grave so this sanctuary can be just as it was, peaceful and intact, true respect for the lives lost. The suspect faces a theft charge which is a felony, but McDaniel says he's willing to look past the crime and is offering a reward for the safe return of the decoration that can be claimed anonymously.
