On a gray autumn morning in Valea Veche, a dog appeared in the cemetery, refusing to leave a grave. It was Ursu, the loyal companion of Moș Gheorghe—known as “Santa” for his white beard—who had recently passed away.

Locals admired Ursu’s devotion, assuming he was grieving. But soon, the dog began digging at the grave with urgency, his paws bloodied from the effort. Schoolteacher Maria noticed and alerted her cousin, Deputy Tudor Lupu. Upon investigation, a foul smell and unstable cross raised suspicions. With the mayor’s permission, the grave was opened. To everyone’s shock, the body inside wasn’t Gheorghe’s—it was a strangled, unidentified man. Gheorghe’s home revealed signs of a struggle, but the old man was gone.