LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Two accused burglars used obituaries posted online to find and target the homes of people who had recently died, according to Henderson police.
Police say Shawn Baird and Yolanda Gonzales burglarized at least three homes in Henderson and one in Las Vegas, stealing more than $600,000 in cash and property.
Investigators say the pair used obituaries posted on Facebook to identify where their victims had lived before targeting the homes and taking cash, jewelry, family heirlooms and rare coins.
Estate attorney Whitney Short, a partner at Short and Stevens Law, says families can be particularly vulnerable in the days and weeks after losing a loved one.
“A lot of times, because Nevada is a snowbird state, you’ll have people that pass away that don’t have loved ones nearby, and that’s where you run into problems,” Short said.
Short says she has seen homes targeted after a death before, including one particularly disturbing case.
“I have even had someone who passed away in their home, and their home was burglarized while they were in there still,” Short said. “It is that bad.”
Short recommends families quickly secure a loved one’s property by changing the locks, using an alarm system and making sure someone regularly checks the home, particularly when relatives live out of town.
She also cautions families to consider how much information they share publicly in an obituary or on social media.
Even without an online post, Short says an obviously vacant home can attract thieves. Uncollected newspapers, lights that remain off and other signs that no one is home can make a property vulnerable.
“We don’t want your loved ones to have to lose you on top of everything you worked hard for,” Short said.
Baird is out of jail on bond. Gonzales remains in custody.
Source: Police say burglars used obituaries to target Las Vegas Valley residents
