The ashes of Nancy Farrell Robinson, the late wife of Arthur Robinson Jr.(78),were stolen in a burglary February 20 from their home on Hathaway Drive in West Windsor. The incident took place between 6:30 and 9pm according to West Windsor Police.
The thieves stole costume jewelry and a green bag containing the rosewood box with Nancy’s remains inside. Police say the thieves likely believed the box contained valuables.
The pair were married for 51 years before she passed in 2009 following a three year battle with ovarian cancer. “We had some good times,” Robinson said, “she was a good Irish lass, she raised a great family.”
“I walked in the kitchen right about 9[that night] and saw one of the window latches laying on the floor…the screen for the window had been pulled off and was laying in the snow. I must’ve just missed them,” Robinson said.
The burglars took three boxes; two of which contained items such as tie clips, pins, his late wife’s costume jewelry and other items that had sentimental value. The third was the rosewood box, which measures 8×8 inches square and 10 inches tall, that he kept in a green felt bag with a gold drawstring.
In a press release, the WWPD stated “we are deeply troubled by the heinous act and will exhaust every lead in an effort to retrieve the victim’s loved one.”
WWPD believes the burglary is linked to another break in that occurred the same evening less than two miles away during which the thieves made off with prescription medication and more jewelry.
In a phone interview with Det. Sgt. Matt Kemp of the WWPD, the last month has seen a notable reduction in the number of area burglaries.
In a one-on-one interview with The VOICE on Monday, Robinson said he would “absolutely not” press charges if his wife’s remains are returned. “They will probably get more from the reward than they did in the first place!”
The WWPD is requesting that anyone with knowledge of the theft or who come into contact with the rosewood box please contact the West Windsor Township Police Detective Bureau with any tips or leads at 609-799-1222.
Additionally, Crime Stoppers of Greater Trenton are offering up to a 1,000 dollar reward for information leading to the return of the item or the arrest of the suspects. Anyone with information can call them at 278-TIPS (8477) or submit it online at www.trentoncrimestoppers.com.
