Overview
- The Sacred Heart of Jesus statue outside St. Mary’s Church in East Islip was decapitated on May 15 and parishioners discovered the missing head the following Sunday as families gathered for First Communion.
- After a multi-day probe, police arrested 41-year-old Deyonna Subert outside 221 West Main Street in Bay Shore at 6:39 a.m. on May 21 and charged her with second-degree criminal mischief.
- Detectives from the Suffolk County Police Hate Crimes Unit led the inquiry, though officials stressed a charge is an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent.
- St. Mary’s has received donations to repair the statue and expects the work to be completed within days, while church leaders warned parishioners about scammers soliciting funds and the Diocese of Rockville Centre issued public support.
- Subert was held overnight at the Fourth Precinct and is scheduled for arraignment at the First District Court in Central Islip, and the community is focused on both restoration and the upcoming court process.