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The search is on for three suspects dubbed the “Tomb Raiders” by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
“What a horrible person you are if you decide to steal from the dead,” Cpl. Cole Brazee said in a video posted on OCSO’s social media. “These three people are going to cemeteries, breaking into deceased people’s niches and stealing their family heirlooms.”
The suspects have been identified as Drake Milam, his girlfriend Portia Bancroft, and her mother Angela Garrett.
According to OCSO, the trio hit cemeteries in at least nine states during this disturbing crime spree.
“They’re all from the Indianapolis, Indiana area,” Cpl. Brazee said. “However, they could be anywhere on the eastern half of the United States. They all have full extradition warrants out of Central Florida”
The sheriff’s office told WESH 2 on Thursday the two locations the suspects targeted in the Orange County jurisdiction were the Woodlawn Cemetery in Gotha and Queen of Angels Cemetery in Winter Park.
The Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home provided this statement:
“Theft is always wrong, but stealing items a family left to memorialize a loved one is particularly abhorrent. We have worked closely with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office throughout its investigation and have provided surveillance footage showing individuals believed to be responsible for the thefts. We would deeply appreciate anyone who could provide additional information to the Sheriff’s Office. In addition, we have added additional security measures that have been communicated directly to affected families.”
Detectives said in Florida, the value of the stolen goods from approximately 20 cases at cemeteries stretching from the Tampa area to Seminole County is more than $35,000.
But detectives also said that amount is not what matters, as they warn there could be more victims.
“If you haven’t visited your loved one in a while and you know they’re in a niche, make sure that your property is still there,” Brazee said. “If it’s not, report it to your local law enforcement.”
Statewide prosecutors from the Florida Attorney General’s Office are hoping to hold the so-called “Tomb Raider” suspects accountable, but first deputies are asking for the public’s help to find and arrest them.
A reward of up to $ 5,000 is being offered through Central Florida Crimeline, which you can reach by calling 800-423-8477.
