As for the lowlife, what makes him different than any other purse snatcher?
Ask the guys already locked up once they found out about the recording. As previously noted, At times I am truely amazed at the things that pull at what passes for heartstrings within the common criminal. They seem to have some aversion to folks who try to steal from a grieving mother the last recorded sounds of a deceased infant, even when the little cutpurse didn't know the recording even existed.
Not saying their "moral code" is right, let alone even moral, but it seems to be pretty consistent.
Does the lowlife deserve it because he is some special sort of lowlife? Prolly not. But then it might cure him of strong-arm robbery.
stay safe.