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Woman Arrested After Surveillance Shows Theft From Houston Mausoleum

Investigators say glass-front niches were pried open and the case has prompted a probe of security lapses and multi-jurisdictional questioning

Overview

  • Surveillance footage from June 6 shows a woman entering Memorial Oaks Cemetery’s mausoleum with a toddler, using tools to open glass cremation niches and remove items.
  • Harris County Precinct 5 deputies arrested 37-year-old Renee Amber Fennel on Thursday and she was later transferred to Montgomery County custody for additional questioning.
  • Authorities say jewelry, rings and gold pieces were taken from family memorials and prosecutors have filed two felony counts for burglary and theft from a graveyard.
  • The toddler seen in the footage was placed with a family member after the arrest and deputies are not reporting any child abuse charges at this time.
  • Investigators linked a damaged silver Lincoln MKC to the case, say mausoleum doors had been left unlocked, and they are reviewing earlier reported losses and cooperating with other agencies to determine if more crimes are connected.