Thieves take man's entire life savings
By BENJAMIN SHARP news@leader-news.com

Those responsible for breaking into Kelly Boedeker's CR 144 home took more than just his personal property - they took his life savings.

The 5-foot tall gun safe the burglars stole was filled with deeds, life insurance policies, annuities and a sum of cash amassed over Boedeker's 50 years of life.

And as if that wasn't bad enough, the thieves used Boedeker's own Chevrolet pickup to haul the safe off.

Boedeker said this week the incident, which occurred Dec. 7, has been devastating. Although his pickup was recovered virtually unscathed just hours after the break-in, only pieces of the safe were found. What was inside is still missing.

"I'm 50 years old, and that's where I kept all my money," he said.

Sgt. John Gutierrez of the Wharton County Sheriff's Department is investigating the case. He said Tuesday he will contact the West Wharton County Crime Stoppers in an effort to garner public assistance.

It's believed the break-in occurred in broad daylight on Friday, Dec. 7. The burglars entered Boedeker's residence through a rear glass doorway.

The gun safe was hidden in a bedroom closet. Other items of value, including several firearms, were nearby, but left untouched. Boedeker believes the burglars knew what they were looking for - and where to find it.

"It's somebody that knew there was a safe out here," he said.His residence is on a private drive. He said a neighbor remembers seeing an unfamiliar red car at the home that afternoon.

The safe, which was hunter green in color, was loaded into the bed of Boedeker's own 1996 Chevrolet pickup (also green in color). A dolly was used to move the safe to the front porch.

A new big screen television, still boxed, was also taken.

Gutierrez said the pickup was found a few hours later off Texas 60 between Lane City and Wharton. Fragments of the safe were also reportedly found off FM 3012. Boedeker said a "friction" saw was used to open the combination lock safe.

He's offering a reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the burglars. He encouraged anyone with information to call Sgt. Gutierrez at 532-1550.

Also, you can always call West Wharton Crime Stoppers anonymously at 543-8477.