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In a shocking incident, a statue of Jesus outside a Long Island church was beheaded in the dead of night last weekend, but the community’s prayers were answered with the help of local law enforcement.
Deyonna Subert, 41, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with criminal mischief for allegedly decapitating the statue at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in East Islip. Her arrest followed an extensive search conducted by the Suffolk County Police’s Hate Crimes unit.
Authorities suspect that Subert, a resident of Bay Shore, may be dealing with mental health issues and acted out during an episode, according to police sources.
“When you see events like these across the nation—attacks on mosques, rising antisemitism, and anti-Christian acts—it can be disheartening,” remarked Lou Civello, President of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, speaking to reporters at the church shortly after the arrest.
Before Subert’s arrest was announced, Civello and the GOOD Foundation, a nonprofit supporting Long Island’s law enforcement, pledged to support the church by donating $1,000 each. This generous contribution is intended to help the church replace the vandalized statue.
“As police officers, we’re tasked with catching the criminals. It’s not often that we get to undo the harm that they have done,” Civello said, handing the giant checks over to St. Mary’s pastor, Anthony Iaconis, shortly after Subert’s arrest.
But despite how outraged and upset Iaconis and his congregants have been over the statue’s desecration — he and other church members told The Post they not only forgive Subert, but pray for her and even said they would love to invite her into the church to make amends.
“It’s evil,” Pastor Iaconis said about the vandalism.
“But Christ calls on us to forgive — and that is how peace comes about,” he added.
Marleni Danesi, who has been attending St. Mary’s for decades, described the vandalism as “sad, but not surprising,” and said she has been praying for Subert.
“You combat hate with love. God cares for all sinners,” Danesi said.