New photos of 3 teens who destroyed concrete angel at Queens church

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Friday, March 31, 2023
Search for teens who smashed angel statue outside church in Queens
Police in Queens are searching for 3 teens who were caught on camera smashing an angel statue outside a Queens church.

HILLCREST, Queens (WABC) -- Police released new photos of the three teens who were caught on camera smashing a concrete statue of an angel belonging to a church in Queens.



The incident happened at The Holy Family Church in Hillcrest last Thursday just after 10 p.m.



Two of the teens hoisted the concrete angel over a short fence behind the church.



"Something sacred -- blessed mother, the angels, I don't understand it," said parishioner Richard Muri.



One carried it away while the third suspect recorded it on his phone.



The teens threw the statue to the ground twice, breaking off the angel's wings.



Police say the vandals caused an estimated $500 worth of damage.



Parishioners say the angel was special to them and the previous pastor.



"Oh, he'll be heartbroken, because those were his collection," said a parishioner named Sonia.





The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is assisting in the investigation.



RELATED | Anti-Defamation League reports 39% spike in antisemitic incidents in New York in 2022



There was a 39% increase in antisemitic Incidents in New York from 2021 to 2022.

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