Woman Pleads for Return of Stolen Engagement Ring from Slain Husband

Susan Block’s heart sunk when her wallet was taken from her car on the Monday after Easter and returned a while later with only her ID and credit cards inside. Her cash, and an irreplaceable diamond ring her husband presented her in 2006, were missing.

On Dec. 2, 2006, Susan and Brandon Block were downtown looking at Christmas lights, when Susan began flipping through photos.

‘You forgot one,’ Brandon said, presenting her with “one diamond ring” in a holiday proposal that Susan excitedly said “yes” to. The couple had been courting since they were teenagers and Susan had never doubted they were meant to be together.

“I think when God made Brandon, he had me in mind,” she said. She described the feelings the two shared for another as indescribable; a deep, deep love, friendship and admiration that set the stage for forever.

In February 2009, it was finally time: the two said their nuptials and soon after had a son, Sutton Block. For four years and five months the family enjoyed their life together, until July 28, 2013, when Brandon and Susan were visiting his sister in Wall and her estranged husband came in wielding a firearm.

Following a custody dispute over their children, Brian Jones Berry opened fire, shooting and killing his estranged wife, Keri Block Berry, her brother, Brandon Block, and critically injuring his wife, Susan Block.

Susan recovered and is raising her and Brandon’s son, Sutton, who was so young at the time of the murder that he won’t have too many memories of his father. The ring, Susan said, was something tangible she wanted to pass on to Sutton when he gets older, a story she’d share with him when he falls in love and is ready to say his vows to the woman he will marry.

“I want my son to know he was made out of love,” she said, emphasizing how she wants to be able to tell the story of the photos at Christmastime and the love of his father. “They’re (those who have the ring) taking that memory from my son,” she said.

Since Easter Sunday, Susan has filed a police report and shared her story on Facebook, which has been shared well over 500 times by friends, family and sympathizers who would like to see the ring return home.

So far, phone calls to pawn shops and a viral plead on social media to find the ring have turned up nothing, but Susan has not lost hope. She’s praying for the return of the ring and is willing to offer a reward to get it back.

“The ring is irreplaceable and it breaks my heart that I no longer have it,” she said.

Anyone with knowledge of the ring’s whereabouts is encouraged to call Susan Block at 325-374-5482. A reward will be offered if the ring is returned.