Courtesy

Leonard Brown

DALLAS - A homicide investigation is underway after an elderly man's gold teeth were allegedly stolen from his mouth while in intensive care.

In early December, Leonard Brown went to Charleton Methodist Hospital with pneumonia and was placed in ICU for several days. While in ICU, Brown's four gold teeth, which he had since he was 17-years-old, suddenly went missing. Brown died two weeks later of unknown causes.

"I just thank God for allowing me to have him the time I had him," said Carol Pena, Brown's daughter.

However, Pena said she wants answers when it comes to the mysterious disappearance of Brown's teeth and the final days of his life.

Courtesy

Leonard Brown's family took pictures of his left arm, which they said was heavily bruised, during his stay in ICU.

Rob Crain, the family's attorney, said the family discovered the teeth missing. The family also said Brown had excessive bruising on his left arm and bruising on his right arm, which the family documented with pictures.

"I believe a theft took place and some teeth were taken, but whether or not it ultimately contributed to his death, I'm not aware of that right now," said Lt. Craig Miller, Dallas Police Department.

Charleton Methodist issued a statement that said an internal and external investigations have shown no evidence to support the allegation made by the family. A nurse told investigators the teeth fell out on their own during brushing.

But, according to the family's attorney, none of the medical records mentioned his teeth.

"It's very upsetting and very frustrating to deal with a loss and then go through such emotional pain and distress," Pena said.

E-mail rlopez@wfaa.com