#USA #NY – Parishioners at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in East Islip, Long Island, discovered a shocking act of vandalism over the weekend when they found the head removed from an outdoor Sacred Heart of Jesus statue. The incident occurred on church grounds as families gathered for services and children celebrated their First Holy Communion.
The desecration was reported to Suffolk County police around 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2026. Church officials and volunteers conducting spring planting later located the statue’s head in nearby bushes on the property. Pastor Rev. Anthony Iaconis noted that surveillance footage showed an individual approaching the statue, though initial descriptions varied.
Parishioners expressed deep dismay at the scene. Susan Martin, who saw the beheaded statue, said she was taken aback and remained upset by the sight. Another local resident, Joshua Koda, urged respect for religious beliefs regardless of personal views. Flowers and candles soon appeared at the site as the community came together in response.
The Diocese of Rockville Centre condemned the act. Spokesman Father Eric Fasano stated that the diocese stood with St. Mary’s parishioners and prayed for justice. Donations poured in to repair the statue, though the pastor warned against fraudulent fundraising pages and asked that contributions go directly to the parish.
Suffolk County Police’s Hate Crimes Unit initially investigated the case. On Wednesday, May 20, authorities arrested 41-year-old Deyonna Subert, a homeless woman from Bay Shore, outside a location on West Main Street. Surveillance video and community tips led detectives to her.
Detective Sgt. Apryl Hargrove, commanding officer of the Hate Crimes Unit, emphasized that the vandalism appeared to be a random act by a mentally ill individual rather than a targeted hate crime against the Catholic community. Subert faced a charge of second-degree criminal mischief. She received mental health services and was scheduled for arraignment. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine praised the police response and affirmed the importance of protecting houses of worship.
The statue, a focal point for prayer and photos on the church grounds, is expected to undergo repairs. Parishioners, while disturbed by the event, highlighted acts of kindness and unity in its aftermath.
Image: Fr. Eric Fasano during an interview with News 12 with the head of Jesus from the statue that was decapitated.
