In a disgraceful act that has shocked the community, a statue of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, stolen from McAdams Park in Wichita, Kansas, has been discovered burned and dismantled in a trash can fire. Authorities called the incident a disrespectful act and expressed their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Last week, surveillance video captured individuals entering Jackie Robinson Pavilion around midnight on Thursday, removing the statue, and placing it in a pickup truck. The thieves cut off the statue at the ankles, leaving behind only Robinson's feet. Damage to the statue is estimated to be around $75,000.

On Tuesday morning, the Wichita Fire Department responded to a report of a trash can fire at Garvey Park. After extinguishing the fire, they discovered what appeared to be remnants of the Robinson statue, which is deemed unsalvageable. The Wichita Fire Department is currently investigating the arson, while the police continue their efforts to solve the theft.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his dismay during a press briefing, stating, "It's really disheartening to see the remnants of the statue, the disgraceful way it's been disrespected. This is a direct indication of the pressure our investigators are putting on the perpetrators that committed this act." Chief Sullivan assured the community that the authorities would apprehend those responsible for this act.

The stolen truck believed to have been used in the theft has been recovered by the police. However, no further updates regarding the investigation into the vehicle were provided.

The statue, created by artist John Parsons and donated to the community by League 42, a nonprofit organization dedicated to introducing baseball to the youth of Wichita, holds significant sentimental value. League 42 founder and CEO Bob Lutz stated that they intend to replace the statue using the mold from the original piece. The organization had initially paid around $50,000 for the sculpture, which was installed in 2021.

Wichita Council member Brandon Johnson expressed his sadness about the discovery but emphasized the community's determination to rebuild and replace the statue. He announced that funds for a new statue are being raised through a GoFundMe campaign and contributions from local businesses. Johnson remains confident that the statue will be restored for the enjoyment of the community, specifically the youth.

Jackie Robinson, known for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB), played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Robinson's signing marked the end of segregated baseball and paved the way for more Black players to enter the major leagues. Throughout his career, Robinson achieved numerous accolades, including winning the World Series in 1955 and earning induction into the Hall of Fame in 1962.

As the investigation into the theft and vandalism of the Jackie Robinson statue continues, the community remains united in their resolve to restore this iconic piece of history and honor the legacy of a trailblazing athlete who changed the face of baseball.