Police Department

Spokane Police Officers Arrest "Grave Robber"

Officer T. Leming, PIO

Friday, September 4, 2026 at 12:55 p.m.

On August 17^th, 2026, officers responded to Holy Cross Cemetery at 7200 N. Wall St. The Service Director called to report that the mausoleum had been entered and one of the niches had been broken into.

Officers learned the niche had contained an urn along with items that held sentimental value to the family. The items of sentimental value were taken and a decorative screw, which held a glass pane in place over the niche, was missing. Knowing it was probable the glass held very important evidence, officers asked employees if the glass could be carefully removed. Once it was removed, officers were able to obtain several latent prints.

On August 28^th, an SPD officer received an email from Spokane County Forensics Unit with the results of the latent prints and the suspect’s identity.

Officers contacted the suspect, identified as Travis B. Batt (44), near E Hawthorne Ave and N. Colfax St, where he was subsequently arrested for Unlawful Disturbance, Removal, or Sale of Human Remains.

Fortunately, officers were able to recover the stolen items from Batt and return them to the family.

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