Investigation and public appeal
Warren police are investigating the theft and have asked the public to share any information, WDIV ClickOnDetroit reported. Horn filed a police report, according to WDIV.
The stolen vehicle is Horn’s 2019 Kia Forte, taken from its usual parking spot at Parkview Tower Apartments in Warren. An urn holding her father’s cremated remains was inside; she had planned to take the ashes to her mother’s grave, WDIV reported.
Horn is asking whoever took the Kia to return the car and the ashes. Her family has set up a fundraiser while the search continues, according to WDIV.
Kia anti-theft software update
Kia says its anti-theft software update applies to certain 2019-2021 model-year Forte vehicles and adds ignition-start security logic that activates when the car is locked with the key fob, according to a Kia technical service bulletin hosted by NHTSA. The bulletin describes a manufacturer update, not broader federal guidance, and does not establish whether Horn’s 2019 Forte qualifies.
Other reported thefts of cremated remains
In a separate case, a Virginia family visiting Santa Monica reported that an urn was stolen from their vehicle in June. They had hoped to scatter the ashes along the California coast. The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. at Parking Structure 8, Level 2, on 2nd Street, according to Patch.
In Hutchinson, Kansas, Tracey Weaver’s father’s remains and urn were taken from her locked car along with $400, then returned in the middle of the night, KAKE News reported. Weaver had discovered the theft while preparing to drive to Nebraska for her father’s funeral; a neighbor’s car was also broken into that night.
