Halton Regional Police have uncovered what they describe as one of the most disturbing crime sprees in recent memory—a systematic grave robbery operation targeting mausoleums across the Greater Toronto Area.
The Horrific Details of the Crimes
According to police, the accused couple allegedly committed more than 300 thefts from cremation niches in cemeteries located in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, Hamilton, and the Niagara region. The crimes occurred during daytime hours, with the suspects entering mausoleums and using tools to access niche compartments containing urns and memorial items.
What makes these crimes particularly heinous, investigators say, is that the thieves often stole jewelry that still contained human remains. Police confirmed that the suspects would discard the cremated remains after removing the valuable items.
The stolen jewelry was then sold at pawn shops or through private sales, turning the violation of final resting places into a lucrative business operation.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The extensive multi-jurisdictional investigation culminated on November 7, 2025, when Halton Police, working with Toronto Police, Hamilton Police, and Niagara Regional Police, arrested the suspects at a Niagara Falls motel.
During the execution of a search warrant, police recovered thousands of dollars worth of stolen jewelry and other property from the motel room and an associated vehicle. Investigators also discovered break-in instruments and a weapon.
The accused have been identified as John Ruch, 45, with no fixed address, and Jordan Noble, 31. Ruch faces 28 charges, including three counts of indignity to a dead body, while Noble faces 25 charges with similar indignity to a dead body counts.
Community Impact and Recovery Efforts
Halton Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie expressed the profound impact these crimes have had on affected families, stating that these violations strike at the heart of our community's sense of dignity and compassion.
Police have identified several specific locations that were targeted, including Glen Oaks Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery in Oakville, Bayview Cemetery and Crematorium in Burlington, and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington.
In a positive development, investigators are now working to return hundreds of recovered items to grieving families. However, police acknowledge that many stolen items may have already been sold or melted down for resale.
Halton Police have established a dedicated email address—mausoleumthefts@haltonpolice.ca—for potential victims to come forward if they suspect their loved one's resting place may have been violated.
Both accused remain in custody awaiting a bail hearing in Milton court. Police emphasize that this remains an active investigation, and additional charges are expected as the case develops.
