WESLACO – A Rio Grande Valley family said a decorative item for their loved one’s burial site was never delivered.

The family said the sentimental value attached to the item they purchased put their emotions in play.

Paulina Palacio’s mother passed away three years ago. She said time hasn’t healed her family’s heartache, especially her father’s.

“My father since she passed, he has gone every day. Not one day missed,” she said. “He goes there from two to four hours. Sometimes, he stays there for like a whole day. It’s because we really loved my mom.”

Palacios said they bought a cement bench from Torres Monuments. She said the owner, Alvin Torres, told them it would take 45 days to complete the project.

More than a year later, the family said they’re still waiting with no resolution in sight.

“It’s irritating because I would like to see her and sit at her feet. Not go see her and lie in the grass or just stand there. It’s not the same. One has the idea of placing things there for their loved one,” Pablo Palacios said.

Paulina said Torres also told her time shouldn’t be an issue and that the family was going to have to wait.

“It’s not just bones. It’s my mother, so you cannot make a comment like that. It’s not just bones that are buried there. It’s somebody that we loved,” the daughter said.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS reached out to Alvin Torres. He refused an on-camera interview.

Torres said the family told him they no longer wanted the bench after he’d already spent cash on material.

The Palacios said they only asked for a refund after months went by and the deal wasn’t upheld.

Torres said he has already sold the bench and reinvested it into his business. He said he doesn’t have their money or a completed product at the time.

We asked Torres if he’s going to give the family a full refund. He said he will, but refused to give a time frame.

The Palacios also filed a police report. We reached out to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, who said they’re looking into the case.

A spokesperson with the department said a person could face a theft of services charge if there is enough probable cause.

The charge can result in a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the service stolen is $750 or more, but less than $2,500.

Count on CHANNEL 5 NEWS to bring you more on this story.