Teen finds jewelry in donated jacket, tracks down owner in Worcester

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WORCESTER — When Luke Coelho put on his new jacket last week, he was so grateful because he now had something that would keep him warm.

But he would soon discover that the old jacket is more precious and valuable than he could even imagine. Inside the coat pocket were two Gucci watches, a bracelet and two diamond rings.

The 17-year-old was recently transferred to South High Community School in Worcester from Brazil.

To help provide him with enough clothes for the winter, he got help from the school’s clothing donation program called Andy’s Attic. The jacket was donated by Dave Kenney who was cleaning his house.

“I had no idea what was in the jacket, but what was in the jacket was expensive stuff,” Kenney said.

Luke Coelho Worcester
Luke Coelho and Dave Kenney

CBS Boston/Paul Burton


Luke and his aunt Taryn Souza knew they had to return this precious item to the rightful owner, but all they had to do was the name on the jacket and the business that no longer exists.

“I work from home and I didn’t work that morning because I was just obsessed with getting this back,” Souza said.

After a series of calls and some investigative work, Dave got a call he never thought would come.

“It’s the wedding ring I bought my wife,” Kenney said. “That meant my daughters got their mother’s things back.”

It turns out that the items found inside the jacket made a lot more sense than originally thought. It’s been a tough year for Dave Kenney. He recently lost his mother and his wife. The jewelry found inside the jacket belongs to them.

“Giving it back, like filling a hole in your heart,” Luke said.

“This handsome young man did the right thing and his aunt,” Kenney said. “I totally appreciate what they have done for me and my family.”

As a thank you, Dave got Luke a job, and more importantly, a new friendship is formed thanks to the good deeds everyone does.

“Like a week of blessings,” said Luke.

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