For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Burlington Police Investigating Statue Vandalism at Local Church

BURLINGTON — Police Chief Michael Kent reports that the Burlington Police Department is investigating the disturbing vandalism of three religious statues at a local Catholic church.

Burlington Police responded Tuesday morning to St. Margaret Parish, located at 111 Winn St. for a report of vandalism. Upon arrival, Detective Thomas Carlson and Detective Albert Gagne noted that three religious statues had been vandalized. Two statues, which sit at the top of a hill on the property, had their hands severed and multiple sets of rosary beads removed and scattered on the ground. The third statue, located near the rectory and depicting the Virgin Mary, had its head severed and both hands removed.

The detectives are now engaged in an active and ongoing investigation.

Officials believe the damage was done between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

“This is a deeply disturbing crime committed against a religious institution in our community during a major holiday season,” Chief Kent said. “We will undertake a thorough investigation and use all assets at our disposal to find those responsible and hold them accountable.”

If anyone has any information on the vandalism or saw anything suspicious at the church, they are urged to contact the Burlington Police Department at 781-272-1212.

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