Clear Lake, Iowa — Heirlooms from the family of a fallen rock-n-roll star that were stolen during the Winter Dance Party in Clear Lake earlier this month were found this week.
The Clear Lake Police Department recovered the two framed family photos of Ritchie Valens and the framed movie poster that were reportedly stolen from the Best Western Motor Lodge in Clear Lake back on February 2nd. The items were recovered in good condition.
If anyone has any information on the items whereabouts since February 2nd, they are asked to contact the Clear Lake Police Department at 641-357-2186 or police@cityofclearlake.org. The case remains under investigation and no further information is being released at this time.
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Original Post 10:29 am, 2/8/2019
Clear Lake, Iowa — Last weekend’s observance of the 60th anniversary of the “Day the Music Died” has been marred by the theft of some heirlooms from the family of one of the rockers who perished in the February 3, 1959 plane crash north of Clear Lake.
Hundreds of people from around the world made the pilgrimage to Clear Lake last weekend for the Winter Dance Party Reunion, but Clear Lake Police say they received the report of the theft of two photo collages, and a movie poster belonging to the family of the late Ritchie Valens. The Valens family was in Clear Lake for the 60th anniversary observance.
Clear Lake Police say the items were reportedly taken from the Best Western Motor Lodge in Clear Lake last Saturday during a Valens Family Luncheon in the hotel’s conference room.
Police say the return of the items is the family’s primary concern, saying they are precious heirlooms, with their actual monetary value still being determined.
Clear Lake Police are seeking information from anyone who may have information in the case.
