Family of ex-LAPD detectives asks to return their stolen ashes from Lancaster’s home

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) – A Lancaster family was heartbroken after the ashes of a former LAPD detective were stolen from his widow’s home.

On Thursday, the thieves broke into the widow’s home in Lancaster, stealing a safe and her most precious asset: a wooden box containing her husband’s ashes.

“She’s totally devastated and I can’t imagine what she’s going through. She just needs him back. That’s her husband, (the) love of her life,” said Steve LaFlower, the victim’s nephew.

Dan Moran died in 2008 after retiring from LAPD, working outside the Van Nuys station for most of his career. Relatives say he devoted much of his adult life to public service.

“As soon as he left high school, he joined the Army as a military police officer … When he was discharged, he joined the LAPD. He served 43 years and retired in 2007, ”added LaFlower.

The family says the thieves ran away with coins and other valuables, but Moran’s widow doesn’t mind getting any of those stolen items back. She just wants her husband’s ashes.

“She just wants them to have a heart and realize how important this is for her and the whole family and just give it back. No questions asked.”

Relatives say the loss is painful.

“It’s like we lost it again, the grieving process started all over again,” said LaFlower.