Police investigate beheading of cemetery statues of Jesus

SANDY — Two marble statues of Jesus Christ were beheaded and another was severely damaged in a cemetery in Sandy sometime over the weekend.

Officials were horrified Monday morning upon discovering the vandalism of the statues, which are valued between $40,000 and $80,000 apiece, at Larkin Sunset Gardens cemetery at 10600 S. 1950 East.

"This is really, really quite disgusting, especially with it being such a sacred place with people's loved ones there," said Larkin Sunset Gardens spokesman Spencer Larkin.

Police have been looking for clues all day but said that, without surveillance or any remnant of the damaged pieces, they have little to go on, said Sandy Police Sgt. Troy Arnold.

One other Christian statue remains in the cemetery, which leaves police and cemetery officials wondering why that one was left alone.

Larkin said he thinks someone would need a "good-sized sledgehammer" or other heavy device to damage the statues, as they are solid marble. The statues were handcrafted and imported from Italy about 40 years ago. Larkin said the damage can't be fixed, and the statues will need to be replaced.

Police aren't sure who could have caused the damage or what the motivation was.

"Since all three were of Jesus Christ, people will think it's religious, but we don't want to speculate," Arnold said.

The first statue that is beheaded and missing a finger on the right hand of Jesus Christ has words below of the Sermon on the Mount, which says, "And he opened his mouth and taught them saying blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:2,4." The second statue portrays Jesus Christ with two children, with words below saying, "Suffer little children to come unto me. And forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of God."

The third statue is not beheaded, but a portion of the chin and neck is smashed off. Larkin said he believes the damage was done in an attempt to behead the statue. Cemetery officials believe the fourth statue also was a target, but for some reason, the vandals were scared off.

The statues were last seen fully intact at about 6 p.m. Saturday, and cemetery officials say the damage wasn't noticed on Sunday.

"We feel terrible," Larkin said. "I'm just sick."