CURSE OF THE STOLEN HEARSE: BODY TAKEN ON WILD RIDE
IT had all the hallmarks of a Hollywood film plot: a thief stole a hearse – with a body inside – then went on a wild ride through the streets of LA that ended in a police chase and dramatic crash.
The crime began when the suspected thief stole the black Lincoln Navigator from outside St Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in East Pasadena.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department pleaded with the thief, whose identity was not known at that point, on social media to return the body in a post that was widely shared online. “Out of all the bad decisions you have made, at least make one good one & bring back the deceased person & casket inside the Navigator,” it tweeted.
The body remained in the vehicle as a mortuary attendant brought a different body into the church – and that is when the SUV was stolen.
Police on patrol spotted the hearse the following day and pursued it, with the chase ending in a crash on a busy freeway. Authorities say they found the body undisturbed in the casket. James Juarez, 25, was arrested behind the wheel.
At least one officer was involved in the crash. No one was seriously injured.
OPERA star Placido Domingo amended his apology to the multiple women who have accused him of sexual misconduct, adding several caveats to a statement two days earlier in which he said he took “full responsibility” for his actions.
The legendary tenor said he wanted “to correct the false impression generated by my apology”. “My apology was sincere and heartfelt ... But I know what I have not done, and I’ll deny it again. I have never behaved aggressively toward anyone, and I have never done anything to obstruct or hurt anyone’s career.”