The stolen statue of Jackie Robinson, a trailblazing baseball player who broke the color barrier, has been dismantled and burned. The suspect, Ricky Alderete, has been sentenced to over 19 years in prison for his involvement in the crime.
In a blatant act of vandalism and disrespect, a statue honoring Jackie Robinson, a legendary baseball player who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier, was stolen from a Wichita park in January. Now, the individual responsible for this heinous crime, Ricky Alderete, has been sentenced to over 19 years behind bars.
Alderete, a 45-year-old Kansas resident, pleaded guilty to a slew of charges related to the theft, including aggravated burglary, aggravated criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement, criminal damage to property, theft, making a false writing, and identity theft.
Investigators determined that the statue was snatched from McAdams Park and later "dismantled and burned," leaving only bronze replicas of Robinson's cleats behind. Firefighters were summoned to a trash can blaze at Garvey Park, where they discovered remnants of the stolen statue.
Evidence suggests that Alderete's motive was not racially motivated, but rather an attempt to sell the metal from the statue for scrap. However, authorities have indicated that additional arrests are likely in connection with this abhorrent act.
The stolen statue had an estimated value of $75,000. "When you try to take something from this community, it won't tolerate it," declared Wichita police Lieutenant Aaron Moses.
Alderete's sentencing on July 1 marks a significant step in holding him accountable for his actions. He faces a maximum punishment of 229 months (19 years and one month).
In addition to the criminal prosecution, efforts are underway to replace the stolen statue. With the support of Major League Baseball and its ballclubs, a new statue is expected to be installed in August. Over $300,000 has been raised through donations to fund the replacement.
Jackie Robinson's legacy as a trailblazer who defied racial barriers and paved the way for countless others makes this crime particularly disheartening. His contributions to baseball and the fight for social justice deserve our utmost respect.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
