Woman Arrested After Jesus Statue Beheaded at Long Island Church

A 41-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with criminal mischief after a statue of Jesus was beheaded outside St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in East Islip. Police sources said authorities believe the Bay Shore woman acted during a mental health episode.

The Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association and the GOOD Foundation each donated $1,000 to the church to replace the statue. Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association President Lou Civello said the groups wanted to undo the harm caused by the vandalism.

Civello handed the donations to Pastor Anthony Iaconis shortly after the arrest. He noted that police officers do not often get the chance to repair damage after an incident.

Iaconis called the vandalism evil but said Christ calls on people to forgive. He added that forgiveness is how peace comes about. Longtime church member Marleni Danesi described the act as sad but said she has been praying for the woman. She said people should combat hate with love.