On April 9, two boys were arrested on suspicion of vandalizing a Catholic church in Kentucky.
The boys are accused of causing “well over” $10,000 in damage to St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, WDRB report.
“Sheriff Philip Wimpey said his deputies responded to St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church.” [on April 9] regarding complaints of vandalism,” the report states. “When officers arrived, they observed extensive damage inside and outside the church, as well as the parish hall on Rodelia Road in Payneville, Kentucky.”
The report said surveillance footage from the church showed the two men throwing fire extinguishers around the church, “destroying numerous religious artifacts.” Ms Wimpey also accused them of pouring holy oil on the floor, destroying the carpet and turning the cross on the altar upside down. Wimpy did not release any security footage or images.
“Investigators also found damage to gravestones in a cemetery opposite the church, apparently done the day before,” the report said.
The suspects are charged with second-degree theft and first-degree criminal mischief.
Both boys are being held at the Bowling Green Juvenile Center, and the Meady County Attorney’s Office and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office are taking over the investigation for prosecution, according to the report.
Cecilia Price, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Louisville, said the church is closed for renovations.
