Press Release
Jefferson County Man Sentenced for Cemetery Vandalism and Body Theft
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. – A man was sentenced on Friday for his role in a disturbing incident involving damage to a mausoleum and the theft of body parts from a local cemetery. John Wayne Belknap, 47, received a three-year sentence in the Department of Corrections with additional time served for misdemeanor charges, following his arrest in October 2023.
The case began on October 11, 2023, when deputies responded to heartbreaking reports of vandalism at Crown Hill Cemetery. Investigators found that a suspect had forcibly entered a mausoleum, damaging a crypt and removing portions of a decedent’s body from a casket. Two weeks later, authorities arrested Belknap, who subsequently pleaded guilty in early November 2024 to charges including abuse of a corpse, criminal mischief, and theft. Other charges, such as possession of a weapon by a previous offender and desecration of a burial site, were dismissed as part of a plea bargain.
Following the resolution of the case, the victim’s remains were returned and restored to the crypt. In a statement, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office expressed their commitment to justice, declaring it a significant moment for the families affected. "This case reminds us of why we do what we do: to bring peace, accountability, and resolution in the face of tragedy," the office stated on social media.
The resolution of this case underscores the agency’s dedication to restoring dignity and closure for the community, and the efforts of law enforcement were praised for their tireless work to ensure justice was served.