Cemetery Heirloom Thefts
Authorities seek trio accused of stealing family heirlooms from cemeteries in at least eight states
Three Indianapolis residents dubbed the "Tomb Raiders" are being hunted by authorities for stealing jewelry and family heirlooms from cemetery niches in at least 8 states, according to WBTV and KKTV. The suspects — Drake Lee Milam, 33, his girlfriend Porsche Bancroft, 32, and her mother Angela Garrett, 52 — remain at large, and could be anywhere in the eastern half of the United States.
Florida's Orange County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation. Authorities have identified roughly 20 cases in Florida alone, with stolen property valued at over $35,000. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for tips leading to the trio's capture, WNDU reports.
How the Suspects Targeted Sacred Memorial Spaces
The trio focused on columbarium niches — small, locked compartments in mausoleums where families place urns with cremated remains. Families often leave wedding rings, gold jewelry, and other keepsakes inside these niches alongside their loved ones. The suspects broke into the niches to steal those items, Wave3 reports.
Corporal Cole Brazee of the Orange County Sheriff's Office was blunt in his condemnation. "What a horrible person you are if you decide to steal from the dead," he said. "These three people are going to cemeteries, breaking into deceased people's niches and stealing their family heirlooms." Warrants for the suspects' arrest carry full extradition, meaning they will be brought back to Florida from anywhere in the country.
A Multi-State Crime Spree Stretching Across the East
Authorities believe the trio struck in at least 8 states, including Florida, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, and New York, according to Fox Carolina. In Florida, the thefts hit cemeteries across Orange, Seminole, and Hillsborough counties. The suspected crime spree was most active in the spring of 2026.
Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, Florida, was among the targeted facilities. The park said it "worked closely with the Orange County Sheriff's Office throughout its investigation" and handed over surveillance footage. The park called the thefts "particularly abhorrent," noting that the stolen items were left by families to memorialize loved ones, 13ABC reported.
Cemeteries Face Hard Questions About Security
Cemetery thefts are not new, but they usually involve stripping copper or bronze fixtures for scrap metal. A coordinated, multi-state campaign targeting personal keepsakes placed directly with human remains is far rarer. Security experts say cemeteries are soft targets because they are designed to be open and peaceful — not locked down, KPLCTV notes.
The case is expected to push cemetery operators to upgrade security. Many may move from basic locks on niches to electronic locking systems. Higher-resolution, night-vision cameras could also become standard. Families may also think twice before leaving high-value jewelry inside publicly accessible niches, WCAX reported.
What Happens if the Trio Is Caught
In Florida, the suspects face felony charges including damaging or removing contents of a grave or tomb, as well as grand theft. Because the Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution has taken over the case, all Florida charges will be handled together, KCRG reports. Similar charges may follow in other states.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Central Florida Crimeline. A tip that leads to an arrest could earn up to $5,000. Authorities warn the suspects should be considered mobile and capable of striking new locations. WMBF News notes that law enforcement is counting on public outrage to help track the trio down.
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