Community Corner

The Missing Butterfly Has Returned Home – But Police Still Investigating

Police received the stolen butterfly taken from the 'Because of 26' mural unharmed, the department said Wednesday, but police are still following leads and investigating in hopes of finding the culprit.

Southington police are now in possession of an orange and black wooden butterfly taken from a memorial done in partnership with ‘Because of 26’ and dedicated to those killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown, but the investigation remains active as they seek the culprit in the theft.

Members of ‘Because of 26’ reached out to the community earlier this week in hopes of finding the lost butterfly, which was taken just days after the June 15 dedication.

As part of a celebration on June 15, the group led by local artist Mary DeCroce had the mural put in place. The mural contained 26 separate butterflies – one for each victim – that were made of wood and screwed into the side of a building along Southington’s linear trail.

The butterfly was removed pulled off the screws and could possibly be broken, officials said. All they are asking is for the butterfly’s return.

“The butterfly was taken in as evidence while the case is being investigated,” Southington police Sgt. Jeffrey Dobratz said Wednesday. “There is an active investigation and further details will be released when they become available.”

The department is currently following leads in the case and will seek to press charges against the culprit, officers confirmed. Further details were not released on Wednesday.

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