Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek is asking the public to help identify the suspects responsible for digging up a veteran's grave at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on July 12.
A maintenance worker at the cemetery first discovered that a significant amount of soil had been removed from the grave site of Edward John Redhead, a veteran of World War II who was buried in 1971.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Grave of WWII veteran dug up
"This case involves a man who served his country with honor and who was resting in peace for four decades," said Stanek, "Those facts alone should inspire you to pick up the phone and help us get this case solved."
Still, Stanek announced on Tuesday that investigators are offering an incentive of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest or conviction. The U.S. Veterans Affairs Administration is providing half of that sum.
Detectives admit they are running out of leads, but they believe at least two people were involved in the crime, and Stanek says a three-inch folding knife found at the scene could have belonged to one of the culprits.
"We want to know how it got there, who it belongs to, and if it played a role in the desecration of this grave site," Stanek said.
On one side of the handle, the name "Wally" is inscribed.
Redhead's family buried him for the second time last week. They are cooperating with investigators but do not wish to speak with the media.
Investigators have not said whether or not the veteran's remains were touched, but the vault was tampered with.
Anyone with information can provide a tip in one of the following ways:
- Call the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office directly at 763-525-6216 or call 911.
- Make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-5477.
- Submit a tip online through the Crime Stoppers of Minnesota website.
- Text "Tip674" along with your tip to 274637 to send information to Crime Stoppers.
