Thieves Break Into Presidential Tomb, Steal ... Spoons?

But they left empty whiskey bottle at James A. Garfield's monument
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 11, 2014 11:52 AM CDT
Thieves Break Into Presidential Tomb, Steal ... Spoons?
This Aug. 26, 1998 file photo shows a marble statue of America's 20th president, James A. Garfield, at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland. Thieves broke into the monument and stole commemorative spoons.   (Amy Sancetta)

Police in Ohio say thieves have broken into the monument of President James A. Garfield and stolen a set of commemorative spoons. Vandals shattered a window to get inside the 180-foot-tall monument at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland Heights. A cemetery worker discovered the theft Wednesday. The cemetery's website says Garfield is the only president to have his casket on full display. His casket is located near the glass case from which the spoons were stolen. His wife's casket is next to his.

Police reports say cigarette butts, a T-shirt, and a whiskey bottle were recovered. Garfield, the nation's 20th president, was born in the Cleveland suburb of Moreland Hills. He was assassinated, having served just 200 days in office. (More James Garfield stories.)

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