Mother appeals to burglars who stole baby son’s ashes but left urn behind on Valentine's Day
Alyssa Ruiz is hoping thieves will return her son's ashes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A mother has issued an emotional appeal to the burglars who stole her baby’s ashes during a break-in on Valentine's Day.
Alyssa Ruiz was devastated when thieves ransacked her home, taking items such as her TV and DVD player.
However, Ms Ruiz, of Phoenix, told Fox 10 she was more shocked to discover the burglars had taken her son Matthew Isaiah Hernandez's ashes from out of the silver box they were contained in.
The box had her son's name and birth date engraved on it.
Ms Ruiz said she could not afford to bury her child, who passed away almost eight years ago.
“By taking my son’s ashes, I’m devastated”, she told the network. “I’m heartbroken”.
Ms Ruiz says she will not take any action against the thieves if they do return the ashes.
"It's my child somewhere, so I'm hoping the people will just feel bad. They can come at three in the morning and just put it by my door - whatever. I just want him back," she said.
Next month will mark the eight anniversary of her child's death.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments