Police arrest second “Grinch” in holiday burglary

The second “Grinch” who helped burglarize a fire-damaged Cedar Rapids home two weeks before Christmas has been arrested, police said.

Kayla Shaw, 18, of Independence, was arrested this morning on suspicion of third-degree burglary, Cedar Rapids police spokeswoman Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said.

Shaw will be charged with helping Shellie Everts burglarize the home of the Matthew Brownfield family, 1558 Bever Ave. SE, after a fire about 2 a.m. Dec. 11 damaged its kitchen. The family stayed at a hotel overnight, and when Brownfield returned the next day he found about $3,000 worth of electronics and the family's Christmas presents had been stolen.

Everts, 30, of 416 17th St. SE, was arrested days later. She's also charged with third-degree burglary.

Both women were at the scene of the fire helping comfort the family, and one of them gave one of Brownfield's children her coat.

Shaw's arrest closes the case, Hamblin said, although only a portion of the Brownfields' belongings has been recovered.