Peru grave robbers hold skull of candidate’s late father hostage, demand he drop out of race

Peru thieves nab mayor’s dad’s skull ahead of vote

LIMA, Peru — Foes of a small-town mayor in Peru said they have dug up the skull of his late father and won’t give it back unless he drops out of next month’s election. Police in San Cristobal said unknown thieves unearthed the remains of Juan Vizcarra Quispe, who died in 1978. His bones were found strewn about the cemetery, but his skull is missing.

Mayor Rogelio Vizcarra said he received a text message offering to return the skull if he withdraws his bid for re-election Oct. 3, but he still plans to run.

San Cristobal police officer Leonardo Castro said authorities are investigating Vizcarra’s political opponents.

Castro said Thursday that the theft violates a law against “offending the memory of the dead,” punishable by two years in prison.