Guy Steals Skeletons to 'Get Back' at Sheriff's Deputy

Martin Sholl wanted some recognition for his find
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 26, 2015 4:50 PM CDT
Diver Steals River Skeletons to Get Back at Sheriff's Deputy
   (Uncredited)

A diver who felt he didn't get his fair share of the credit for discovering two fake skeletons sitting in lawn chairs at the bottom of the Colorado River has removed them from their watery grave. Martin Sholl says he spotted the skeletons, adorned in sunglasses, flip-flops, a bikini and a rainbow-colored wig, tethered to lawn chairs while scuba diving in the river near the Arizona-California line in May, Today's News-Herald in Lake Havasu City reports. He alerted the La Paz County Sheriff's Office, and authorities discovered the skeletons were plastic. "Skeleton tea party," Sholl says. "It was funny. The next day when my friend called and told me that the chaos I created was on every morning show in the country, I was shocked. ... I found out they didn't mention me at all."

Instead, Sholl says the media focused on La Paz County Deputy Curt Bagby, who led the recovery of the skeletons and investigated how they ended up in the river. When Sholl called a news outlet, he was told that Bagby wasn't sure he would want to speak. Since the skeletons were discovered, they have become an attraction to recreational divers. But Sholl says he pulled them from the river Friday and put them on his balcony in Parker. He says he'll return the skeletons after Halloween. The sheriff's office says it wasn't illegal for Sholl to take the skeletons. "Why did i [take them]?" writes Sholl in a comment on ParkerLiveOnline. "Basically, just to piss off #### Bagby. ... im not saying i didnt want my little moment of fame. Who wouldnt. After all i am the one that found them and started it all." (A couple admitted to planting the skeletons in the river.)

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