Montreal couple accused of robbing funeral niches for jewelry

André Diderot Gustave (left) and Christina Loubounakis (right) in a handout by Montreal police. (SPVM)

A Montreal couple has been arrested and accused of robbing funeral columbarium niches to steal jewelry and other valuable items over the last year.

André Diderot Gustave, 49, and Christina Loubounakis, 50, were arrested on May 14 in connection with several break-ins at various funeral homes.

“During the investigation, the SPVM seized a large amount of jewelry,” Montreal police (SPVM) explains. “The SPVM is now seeking to locate the families concerned to return these items to them.”

Diderot Gustave is described as a Black man, 1.85 m (6’) tall and weighing 110 kg (242 lbs).

He has black eyes and a shaved head.

Loubounakis is described as a white woman, 1.70 m (5’7”) tall and weighing 90kg (200 lbs).

She has brown eyes and black hair, usually tied back.

The alleged crimes took place across the Greater Montreal area, including Laval and other areas of the North Shore, to Saint-Hyacinthe on the South Shore.

“The SPVM is urging families of the deceased and funeral homes to check the condition of the niches to ensure that no theft has occurred,” the force states. “Whether you are a family member or a representative of a funeral home, any discovery of theft in a columbarium or mausoleum should be reported promptly to the police department in the relevant jurisdiction.”

Report a theft

Families who believe they have been victims of a theft from a loved one’s funeral niche are asked to contact Montreal police and provide the following information:

• Name of the deceased;
• Detailed description of the stolen items, including photos if available;
• Location, including the name of the funeral home and the niche number;
• Approximate time of the theft.

Anyone who has already filed a complaint but wishes to recover their jewelry is asked to contact their local police department with the information listed above.