Suit: Marine's Body Sent Home To Pa. Without Heart

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The parents of a Marine sergeant who died while stationed in Greece say his heart was missing when his body arrived home in Pennsylvania for burial.

They've sued the Department of Defense.

Coatesville residents Craig and Beverly LaLoup say a military official told them about the heart only after 21-year-old Brian LaLoup's funeral last year.

They've been told he fatally shot himself at the U.S. Embassy compound and an Athens hospital performed an autopsy.

Beverly LaLoup said Tuesday a heart was later sent to them — but wasn't their son's. Their lawsuit seeks at least the minimum $75,000 for a federal claim.

Washington, D.C., Greek Embassy spokesman Christos Failadis  says the heart was removed for toxicology testing. He won't comment on where it went.

The Department of Defense says it doesn't comment on pending litigation.

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