More than a week after bronze pieces were stolen from Denver City Park’s Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, police found the pieces had been sold to a local scrap metal business. Their search for the two suspects continues. 

A Denver Parks and Recreation maintenance staff member noticed three pieces broken off of the “I have a Dream” monument at City Park on Feb. 21. Seven bronze pieces had been stolen from the Joseph Addison Thatcher Memorial fountain in the park, too.

Following investigations, police found the pieces had been sold to a local business on Friday as scrap metal, according to a press release from the Denver Police Department. The large plaque stolen from the “I Have a Dream” monument had been cut into pieces. The department didn’t know the Thatcher Memorial fountain had been vandalized until the discovery of its pieces. 

The pieces have been returned to the Denver Arts & Venues, according to the release. The department manages both memorials.

Investigators believe the crime was motivated by money, selling scrap brass, not bias. 

Investigators refused to release the name of the business, citing the ongoing investigation. The business owners told police they discovered they had the metal through an alert and reached out to to the police.

“They have been very cooperative and will not be facing charges,” the department said.

Investigations found that the “I Have a Dream” monument was vandalized between 3:30 and 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 18. Herman Duran, 67, has been identified as one of the suspects in the theft.

The second suspect is currently unidentified. The department asks for the public’s help identifying and locating them. Those with information are asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.