HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The bronze “Mother Duck” statue stolen from outside the Explore More Discovery Museum in downtown Harrisonburg has been found reportedly because of community tips.

On June 30, 2026, staff at the museum reported to the Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) that the statue had been stolen between June 26 and June 30. HPD detectives canvassed the area to identify businesses with security cameras and obtain any footage of the theft.

According to HPD Outreach and Communication Specialist Juliana McGrath-Myers, due to security footage from surrounding businesses, HPD was able to narrow down the time of theft to the early morning hours of June 28 and obtain video of three suspects and the vehicle they were driving. Those
photos were then posted to HPD social media accounts in hopes that someone may recognize them.

On July 29, multiple tips were submitted through the anonymous Tip411 system, identifying Madeleine Helmick as the female in the photo and one of the males as Carter Fleming. A search warrant was executed, and “Mother Duck” was recovered in a wooded area off Country Club Road.

21-year-old Madeleine Helmick of Harrisonburg has been charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony.

22-year-old Carter Fleming of Broadway has been charged with one count of Grand Larceny and one count of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony.

24-year-old Joel Biller of Broadway has been charged with one count of Grand Larceny and one count of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony.