Funeral Thief

A Texas woman was caught on video stealing a wedding ring off the finger of a deceased old woman, Lois Hicks, lying in an open casket in funeral home. The family of Hicks had just left the funeral home after a visitation service when the stranger came in and asked to use the restroom. The woman is seen entering the room with casket. She puts her hand in Hicks’ coffin for more than a minute, turns, and leaves. Hicks’ daughter returned to the funeral home to touch up her mother’s makeup and noticed the missing ring. What the thief didn't know was that the rind she stole was a $10 plastic ring.

The surveillance video captured the alleged thief's license plate, and the family is pressing charges. The incident is being investigated as a felony because it deals with theft of a corpse. Police have said that they arrested Kalynn Homfeld on Tuesday, and she has been charged with theft from a human corpse and faces six months to two years in a state jail.

Comments from Allen:
The value of the item stolen does not necessarily determine whether the offense is a felony or a misdemeanor.  Neither does the status of the owner (living v. not living).  Most often I see people getting charged with a felony when they enter a store with the intent to steal (e.g., felony burglary of a candy bar) or open a car door to remove an item from someone else's car.

The judge on this case is certainly going to wonder if this is the first time Ms. Homfeld has committed this crime.  Her sentence in this case is going to depend upon her criminal history. Additionally, I would anticipate a harsher sentence if the relatives of Lois Hicks show up for sentencing.  Their heartbreak and outrage will certainly have an impact on the sentencing judge, more so than a mere written report of what happened.


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Allen Browning is an attorney in Idaho Falls, Idaho who handles personal injury and criminal defense. He has over 30 years of experience and handled thousands of cases. Allen handles cases from all over Idaho. Call (208) 542-2700 to set up a free consultation if you are facing legal trouble or you have been involved in an accident.

Also, check out browninglaw.net for more information about Allen and Browning Law.

Allen Browning can help with all personal injury claims including motor vehicle accidents,truck accidents, auto accidents, serious and disabling accidents, and wrongful death claims.

Allen Browning is an Idaho Falls attorney who can also help with drunk driving (DUI), traffic violations, Felony, Misdemeanor, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Theft, Juvenile Crimes, battery and assault charges, Violent Crimes, and Probation/Parole Violations. He is one of the most experienced and successful criminal defense attorneys in Idaho.
Allen is able to provide his services if the incident occurs in the following Idaho Areas: American Falls, Arco, Blackfoot, Boise, Burley, Driggs, Idaho Falls, Malad City, Pocatello, Rexburg, Rigby, Salmon, St. Anthony, Twin Falls, Bannock County, Bingham County, Bonneville County, Butte County, Cassia County, Clark County, Fremont County, Jefferson County, Lemhi County, Madison County, Oneida County, Power County, Teton County, and Twin Falls County.    
Sources for more information:
http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2016/04/watch-woman-steals-ring-from-dead-88-year-olds-finger-at-odessa-funeral-home.html/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kalynn-homfeld-alleged-funeral-parlor-ring-thief-arrested/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/04/11/video-captures-woman-stealing-ring-womans-casketbut-fake/82902536/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/04/15/she-stole-ring-coffin-craziest-crimes-week/83069110/

http://www.newser.com/story/223402/thief-steals-wedding-ring-off-woman-in-open-casket.html

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