Oracle, AZ – In a recent statement, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has called upon the public for help in locating valuable items stolen from the historic High Jinks Ranch in Oracle, Arizona. The burglary, which occurred around August 10, 2024, targeted both the historic Buffalo Bill Cody residence and a neighboring property.
PCSO detectives conducted an extensive investigation, leading to the identification of two suspects. A female suspect was arrested on October 2, 2024, facing two counts each of burglary and theft. A male suspect, currently held at the Pima County Adult Detention Center on similar charges, was interviewed on October 11, 2024. The Pinal County Attorney’s Office is reviewing charges for the male suspect.
Despite these developments, several valuable items from High Jinks Ranch remain missing. PCSO is urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of these items to contact them at 520-866-5111.
The burglary of High Jinks Ranch is not just a crime against property, but an assault on a piece of Arizona’s rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1912 by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody as a gold mining venture, the ranch has a storied past that intertwines with the broader narrative of the American West.
While Buffalo Bill Cody’s mining endeavor proved unsuccessful, the property found new life under the ownership of Lewis Claude Way, a Spanish-American War veteran and former superintendent of both Rocky Mountain and Grand Canyon National Parks. Way completed the current Pueblo Revival style ranch house around 1928, creating a structure that would later be recognized for its historical and architectural significance.
High Jinks Ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, cementing its status as a site of national importance. Beyond its architectural and historical value, the ranch serves as a gateway to the Arizona Trail and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Coronado National Forest and Galiuro Mountains.
As PCSO continues its efforts to recover the stolen items, they emphasize the importance of community involvement. The theft from High Jinks Ranch is not just a loss for its owners, but for all those who value Arizona’s rich cultural heritage. If you have any information regarding the stolen items from High Jinks Ranch, please contact PCSO at 520-866-5111.
