A 41-year-old woman was arrested in Bay Shore, Long Island, after allegedly decapitating a statue of Jesus at St. Mary’s Church. Deyonna Subert was charged with second-degree criminal mischief following the incident, which occurred on May 15, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m. The arrest has prompted an investigation and drawn attention from the local community, who have gathered at the church to pay their respects.
The statue, which had stood on the church property for about 12 years, remains in place but is now covered by a tarp. Community members have placed flowers at the statue’s base in response to the incident. Subert was taken into custody outside 221 West Main Street at 6:39 a.m. on May 15, 2026.
Main Developments in the Bay Shore Church Incident
Father Anthony Iaconis, the pastor of St. Mary’s Church, discovered the statue’s severed head in bushes on the church grounds following the alleged vandalism. The discovery prompted authorities to launch an investigation into the incident.
Detectives investigated the matter as a potential hate crimes incident. However, Subert’s attorney has stated that there are no allegations that the incident constitutes a hate crime. The attorney has also denied the charges against Subert, stating that their position is to deny the allegations.
According to NBC4, Subert is currently without housing. She was arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip, with the proceeding scheduled for May 21, 2026.
What We Know So Far
The confirmed facts surrounding this case establish a clear timeline of events. The alleged vandalism took place on May 15, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Bay Shore, Long Island. Deyonna Subert, 41, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal mischief in connection with the incident.
The statue of Jesus had been a fixture at the church for approximately 12 years before the incident occurred. Following the alleged decapitation, Father Anthony Iaconis found the severed head of the statue in bushes located on the church grounds.
Subert was taken into custody the same day at 6:39 a.m. outside 221 West Main Street. Her attorney has denied the charges, stating that their current position is to contest the allegations.
The church responded to the incident by posting a statement on Facebook on May 18, 2026. In the statement, the parish thanked supporters, writing that their prayers, messages, and kindness have meant a great deal to the parish community.
Community Response and Church Statement
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support from the local community. Residents and parishioners have placed flowers at the base of the damaged statue as a sign of respect and solidarity with the church.
In their Facebook statement, the church asked the community to continue praying for the person responsible for the act. The statement read in part that the parish asks people to pray that the Sacred Heart of Jesus may bring healing, peace, and conversion to all hearts.
The statue itself remains on the church property, though it has been covered with a tarp following the alleged vandalism. The church has not announced plans regarding the repair or replacement of the statue.
What Happens Next
Subert’s arraignment was scheduled to take place at First District Court in Central Islip on May 21, 2026. The outcome of that proceeding will determine the next steps in the legal process.
The investigation by detectives continues, though authorities have not released additional details about the case. Subert’s attorney has made clear that the defense will contest the charges, stating that the only position they have taken is to deny the charges.
Whether additional charges could be filed remains unclear. While the incident was investigated as a potential hate crimes case, the defense attorney has emphasized that no hate crime allegations currently exist against the defendant.
Important Details About the Case
The charge of second-degree criminal mischief relates to the alleged property damage caused to the religious statue. This charge addresses the intentional destruction or damage of property belonging to another person or institution.
The statue had been part of the St. Mary’s Church landscape for approximately 12 years before the incident. The exact method used to remove the statue’s head has not been disclosed by authorities.
Subert’s current housing status was reported by NBC4, which noted that she is without housing. This detail has been confirmed as part of the available information about the defendant.
The location of the arrest, 221 West Main Street, and the time of 6:39 a.m. have been confirmed by authorities. The arrest occurred on the same date as the alleged incident, May 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Deyonna Subert face?
Deyonna Subert has been charged with second-degree criminal mischief in connection with the alleged decapitation of a Jesus statue at St. Mary’s Church in Bay Shore, Long Island. Her attorney has denied the charges.
Is this being treated as a hate crime?
Detectives investigated the incident as a potential hate crimes case. However, Subert’s attorney has stated that there are no allegations that the incident constitutes a hate crime.
When did the alleged vandalism occur?
The incident allegedly occurred on May 15, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Bay Shore, Long Island. Subert was arrested later that same day at 6:39 a.m.
How long had the statue been at the church?
The statue of Jesus had stood on the St. Mary’s Church property for approximately 12 years before the alleged vandalism took place.
What has the church said about the incident?
St. Mary’s Church posted a statement on Facebook on May 18, 2026, thanking supporters for their prayers and kindness. The church also asked the community to pray for the person responsible for the act.
The case continues to develop as the legal process moves forward. Subert faces the second-degree criminal mischief charge while her attorney maintains a position of denying the allegations. The damaged statue remains at St. Mary’s Church, covered by a tarp, while community members continue to leave flowers at its base in support of the parish.
