KINGWOOD, Texas – At St. Martha Catholic Church in Kingwood, three sacred statues — including one of the Virgin Mary — once stood outside the sanctuary. Today, they’re gone.
Their heads were cut off and stolen in a disturbing act that parishioners say feels like far more than vandalism.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says the crime happened around 10:35 p.m. on June 7, 2025.
Investigators released surveillance stills of the suspect’s vehicle, described as a gray or silver hatchback or small SUV, last seen entering the Woodridge Subdivision. The suspect was reportedly wearing a black shirt with white lettering on the back and a headlamp.
“To me, it’s devastating,” said parishioner Pat Tui, who has worshipped at the church for years. “To us, that’s a sacred place, you know… not just a statue. It’s what it symbolizes.”
Photos shared by the church show the statues before the attack and what’s left of the bases where they once stood. Parishioners say they came the next day to find the statues decapitated — an emotional blow to their faith community.
“It is very horrific”
Tui described his reaction when he first saw what had happened. “I was deeply sorrowful from the standpoint that somebody would take the initiative to be able to take this destructive act. I hope they understand the magnitude of what they’ve done.”
Tui said he’s not quick to assign motive but acknowledged the act felt deliberate. “I think the person that took the actions has some issues,” he said. “He might have issues with the Catholic faith. I don’t know; I can’t answer that question. I just pray for that person, that he can resolve that within his own heart and spirit.”
Could this be a hate crime?
While the case is being investigated as criminal mischief, legal experts say it could be elevated — depending on what evidence emerges. KPRC 2 spoke with Professor Sandra Guerra Thompson, a criminal law expert from the University of Houston Law Center, who said the law looks at both the value of the damage and whether bias or hate played a role.
“This kind of damage is considered criminal mischief,” she said. “And then the punishment depends on two things. One is, what is the value of each of those statues? And then that determines whether it’s a misdemeanor or even possibly a felony.”
“If there’s proof that it was done because of prejudice, bias, hatred, then the punishment can be elevated one more level up,” she added. Still, proving bias can be difficult. “They would have to have additional proof of this person’s motivation,” Thompson explained. “What was their intent? What was driving them to do it?”
“God loves you. God forgives you.”
Despite the destruction, Tui’s message to the suspect is one of faith — and grace. “I pray for you,” he said. “I hope that you can find the answers that you’re looking for through your actions. God loves you. God forgives you. Praying for you.”
Investigation ongoing
The suspect has not been identified. If you recognize the vehicle or have any information, you are urged to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-521-8971, or to remain anonymous, call Multi-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-7867 and reference case #25A172153.
As for the church, parishioners say healing is underway — both physically and spiritually. “Forgiveness is an obligation that we have to have within all of our hearts,” Tui said.
