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Mystery Over Teddy Bear With Purple Heart At Memorial For Santa Cruz Officers Solved


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SANTA CRUZ (CBS/AP) — The mystery over a Purple Heart medal found pinned to a teddy bear as an anonymous tribute to two Santa Cruz officers who were killed in the line of duty has been solved.

Deputy Chief Steve Clark says an unknown soldier left the gift Thursday at the memorial for the officers.

Cameras captured the image of the man leaving the purple heart.

He left it and didn't say anything.

Later, a deputy got a letter from the man saying in part: The bear reflects the love of community. The red ribbon for the blood shed in the line of duty. The purple heart for the sacrifice above and beyond all duty.

"I know you will understand," the note read.

Clark said the medal will be kept for the officers' families.

Detective Sgt. Loran "Butch" Baker and Officer Elizabeth Butler were shot and killed Tuesday while trying to interview Jeremy Goulet, regarding a misdemeanor sexual assault. Goulet was later killed in a shootout with police.

A memorial was scheduled for Thursday to honor the officers.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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