Family of former LAPD detectives plead for return of his ashes stolen from Lancaster’s home

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

Burglars broke into the widow’s west of Lancaster on Thursday and stole a safe and her most precious possession: a wooden box containing her husband’s ashes.

“She’s completely crushed and I can ‘t imagine what she’s going through. She just needs him. It’s her husband, the love of her life,” said Steve LaFlower, the victim’s nephew.

Dan Moran passed away in 2008 after retiring from the LAPD and working most of his career at Van Nuys Station. Relatives say he has devoted much of his adult life to public service.

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

The family says the burglars got away with coins and other valuables, but Moran’s widow does not care to get back some of the stolen items. She just wants her husband’s ashes.

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

Family members say the loss is heartbreaking.

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