A Long Island woman was arrested last week for allegedly decapitating a statue of Jesus at a Catholic church.
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At approximately 11:15 p.m. on May 15, Deyonna Subert, 41, damaged the statue at St. Mary’s Church in Bay Shore, according to Suffolk County police. Subert, who is without housing according the NBC4, was charged with second-degree criminal mischief and taken into custody outside 221 West Main Street at 6:39 a.m. She is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on May 21.
The incident was investigated as a hate crimes incident by detectives.
St. Mary’s pastor, Father Anthony Iaconis, told News12 he discovered the statue’s severed head in bushes on the church grounds. It remains unclear how it was removed. The statue — which had stood on the property for about 12 years — is still in place, covered by a tarp, while community members have placed flowers at its base.
On May 18, the church posted a statement on Facebook thanking parishioners and supporters for their outpouring of concern. “Your prayers, messages, and kindness have meant a great deal to our parish community,” it read. The post also asked that any donations be directed to St. Mary’s Parish for statue replacement efforts, and closed with a call for prayer: “Please continue to pray for the person responsible for this act, and pray that the Sacred Heart of Jesus may bring healing, peace, and conversion to all hearts.”
The statue had been at the church for about 12 years.
Subert’s attorney told NBC4 there are no allegations that the incident constitutes a hate crime. “Right now, the only position we have taken is to deny the charges,” the lawyer said. Suffolk County police did not respond to a request for additional comment.
