Long Island woman charged after statue of Jesus decapitated at Catholic church, parishioners react in shock
A Long Island woman has been charged after police said she decapitated a statue of Jesus Christ at a Catholic church in East Islip, an act that left parishioners shaken, angry, and searching for answers. The damaged statue at St. Mary’s Church was covered with a plastic tarp following the incident, with flowers later placed nearby as the community reacted to the vandalism.
Authorities charged 41-year-old Deyonna Suber in connection with the incident. She was arraigned in Suffolk County court, where her attorney denied the allegations and said there are no claims that the act was motivated by religious bias or classified as a hate crime. A judge ordered her to stay away from the church while the case moves forward.
Church members and leaders described the damage as deeply upsetting, with parishioners calling it a desecration of a sacred space and asking for prayers for the person involved. The church’s pastor also urged compassion while the community grappled with the incident, which occurred at a statue that has stood in the courtyard for about 12 years and is often used as a backdrop for First Communion photos.
Local law enforcement estimates the damage at around $1,500, and restoration efforts are expected to be supported by community groups. It is not yet clear how long repairs to the statue will take as the case proceeds through the courts.
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