Aug 19, 2008 10:00 pm US/Eastern
Marine Ripped Off In Del. Parking Lot
TALLEYVILLE, Del. (CBS 3) ―
A United States Marine had all of his belongings stolen out of a truck and U-Haul trailer in a hotel parking lot in New Castle County just days before he is headed for Iraq.
Michael Lamica had just picked up everything owned by his Marine son, Robert and daughter-in-law, Brandi at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
The Lamica's were heading home to Massachusetts and decided to spend the night at the Quality Inn in Talleyville, New Castle County.
"I feel terrible because it's all their stuff and I lost it all," said Michael Lamica.
When they came out of their room Monday morning, Michael noticed his Dodge pick-up and U-Haul trailer were gone.
"Everything they own is on that truck and in the trailer. All his Iraq medals, Iraq pictures, their wedding pictures, their furniture, their clothes, everything they own is on that truck," said Michael.
Robert leaves for his second tour in Iraq next Monday and his wife Brandi is moving to Massachusetts.
Delaware State Police believe the thief is local because the white van the thief drove to the scene was stolen from a business in Newark.
"This isn't just about the gear he needs to do his job, this is about things he had simply earned protecting and serving our country," said Cpl. Jeff Whitmarsh.
The Lamica family said all they want back are the irreplaceable items, including a sword Robert wore at this wedding.
"If I could get his Iraq medals and sword back, I'd be happy. I don't even care about the truck," said Michael.
The pick-up is a 2001 white Dodge Ram with Massachusetts license plates. The trailer is a 6-foot by 12-foot U-Haul box trailer.
If you any information, please call Delaware police.
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