Mom to burglar: Please return memories of dead son

MULLICA HILL, N.J. (WPVI) -- A Gloucester County mom is making an emotional plea to the burglar who targeted her home.

Lina Scarpaci's son, Zachary, died last December after a two year battle with brain cancer. He was just 20 years old.

"When it comes back, it comes back with a vengeance, and Zach didn't make it," Lina said.

She says she doesn't care much about the material things, but the person got away with memories she can never replace.

"In his wallet he had his ID card, his school card, and his driver's license, just personal stuff," said Lina Scarpaci.

It was Monday when Scarpaci's home along Bridgeton Pike in Mullica hill was burglarized.

She says her heart sank when she realized the criminals targeted her son's room, taking things like a watch, computer and iPad.

"The iPad has pictures of him in the last six weeks of the hospital, pictures of his funeral, pictures of Zach in his casket. I'd like to have that back too, but I don't want to push my luck," she said.

For this grieving mom, it was not about the material items, but the memories.

"You can replace the computer, but I can't replace pictures, videos, the schoolwork he used to do. I can't replace that."

More than likely, the crooks didn't know that what they are were taking were more than just pricey items. They stole special moments of laughter, tears, accomplishments and family bonding.

"That is all I've got of my son, 20 years old. I watched him die, I watched him deteriorate, knowing I couldn't help him."

Police say this is an active investigation.