Authorities perplexed by funeral home break-in

With few leads to go on, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to look for the vandals who are responsible for causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage at Falgout Funeral Home in Galliano.

A reward – up to $1,000 – is being offered to anyone with information leading to the capture and prosecution of the individuals responsible for burglarizing and damaging the funeral home.

“Information about this burglary and property damages can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-743-7433,” department spokesman Larry Weidel said.

The funeral home’s staff was away on business June 20 when the break-in occurred. The building was unoccupied for four or five days, during which detectives believe the vandals struck.

When the staff returned, they discovered the damage and notified authorities.

Ten caskets were damaged, a window broken and a fire had been extinguished in a trash can, Weidel said. Keys to the building, the fire extinguisher and a crucifix were reported stolen.

“The caskets appear to have been hit with a hammer taken from a toolbox and will need to be replaced. It also appeared that several of the caskets were laid in,” Weidel said. According to funeral home estimates, the approximate replacement fee for each casket is at least $30,000.

Evidence was collected at the scene and may help in solving the crime, Webre said. In the meantime, the sheriff is asking anyone with information to notifiy the sheriff’s office.

Several calls to Falgout Funeral Home went unreturned as of press time.