In a shocking turn of events, the stolen Jackie Robinson statue that was cut off at the ankles has been found in a trash can at Garvey Park in Wichita, Kansas, burned and in pieces. The discovery was made on Tuesday morning when the fire department responded to a call about a trash can fire. Upon extinguishing the fire, they noticed what appeared to be pieces of the Jackie Robinson statue, which is now deemed unsalvageable.

The statue, which was commissioned by League 42, a nonprofit organization that provides low-cost baseball registration for children, had raised $50,000 for the life-sized bronze sculpture. The league, named after Robinson's jersey number, aimed to honor the legendary athlete who broke the Major League's color barrier as a Black player. The theft occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, and the investigation into the theft and arson is still ongoing.

On Monday, police announced that they had found a truck believed to be connected to the theft, giving hope that an arrest would soon be made. Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan assured the public that there would be an arrest, but they wanted to ensure they had a solid case before proceeding. The motive behind the theft still remains unclear, and authorities are exploring all possibilities, including whether it was racially motivated.

The discovery of the burned and destroyed statue has left the community devastated. Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson described the statue as a symbol of hope and expressed his heartbreak over its destruction. However, he emphasized that the community is determined to rebuild and replace the statue, ensuring that the symbol of hope returns to its rightful place.

League 42 has already taken steps towards creating a replica of the statue using the same material and mold from the original work by the late artist James Parsons. Director Bob Lutz announced at the news conference that a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds for the replacement statue, which has already garnered over $19,000 in donations.

The theft of the Jackie Robinson statue has sparked outrage across Wichita, with many expressing their disappointment and anger over the disrespect shown towards a sports legend and civil rights icon. Robinson's legacy as the first player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947 is not only significant in the world of sports but also in the fight for racial equality.

Despite the setback, the community remains resilient and determined to restore the statue to its rightful place in McAdams Park. The destroyed remains serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat racism and ensure that symbols of hope and progress are protected and cherished. The replacement statue, which will be the work of John Parsons, is expected to be erected within a few months, bringing joy and inspiration back to the community.