Bronze Statue Worth $20,000 Stolen from Mesa Cemetery: Police Seek Public’s Help

Mesa Police Search for Thieves Who Stole $20,000 Bronze Statue from Cemetery

Mesa police are on the hunt for thieves who made off with a custom-made bronze statue from Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery. The statue, valued at $20,000, was a heartfelt tribute to a widower’s wife of 52 years.

The theft occurred on September 17, leaving cemetery staff and the bereaved family in shock. Police have reached out to nearly 60 junkyard dealers in an attempt to locate the statue, but so far, their efforts have been unsuccessful.

The stolen artwork is a life-like representation of Constance Marie Wayland, created in 2013. Standing 4 feet high and weighing approximately 150 pounds, the statue is composed of almost 87% bronze. Its intricate detail and prominent location had made it a popular attraction at the cemetery.

Cemetery crews discovered the theft at 7 a.m. on September 17. The thieves had forcibly removed the statue from its granite base, which was reinforced with steel pins and brackets. Curiously, there were no signs of tire tracks or disturbance around the grave site.

Greg Coury, owner of Mountain View, expressed the devastating impact of the theft. “This statue symbolized a husband’s enduring love for his wife,” Coury stated. John Wayland, the widower, was a construction manager and co-founder of a multifamily development company. His late wife, Connie Wayland, had been an elementary school teacher, store manager, and active community volunteer.

In response to the theft, Mountain View Funeral Home is offering a reward for information leading to the statue’s return. This marks the first statue theft at the cemetery, although there have been previous reports of missing bronze vases.

The cemetery has taken swift action to prevent future incidents, hiring a security company and installing surveillance cameras. “We remain committed to supporting the grieving family and our community during this difficult time,” Coury affirmed.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact the funeral home at 480-470-6617.