Thieves steal 19-year-old's ashes from mother's home

HAWAII (WABC) -- A woman in Hawaii is devastated after thieves stole something she cannot replace - the ashes of her son.

Police say thieves broke into the family's house on Hilo, two days before Christmas. Along with jewelry and electronics, they took a box containing the ashes of Christopher Hafford.

Hafford drowned at 19 years old, and his siblings say having his remains close has helped their mother heal.

Police say the burglars may not have known what the decorative box contained - now the family is pleading with the thieves to return the box - no questions asked.