Virgin Mary Mural Destroyed With Sledgehammer, Suspect Sought

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — A man took a sledgehammer to a hand-painted mural of the Virgin of Guadalupe at a Van Nuys Church last Wednesday, prompting an investigation from the Los Angeles Police Department.

The vandalism took place St. Elisabeth Catholic Church, near Van Nuys High School, around 1:40 a.m. Wednesday morning. Security footage showed the man smashing the tiles that make up her face before running out of frame.

"The Image of our Lady on Cedros Ave. has been severely vandalized," the church wrote on their website. "This is one of our saddest moments in addition to our pandemic times ever since."

The hand-painted mural was installed 35 years ago as a symbol of unity. CBS2 reported the Father Vito Di Marzio, who was sleeping inside the church at the time of the incident, said he thought he heard loud knocking. He went back to sleep once the noise stopped and noticed the damage the next morning.

The church plans to replace the entire mural rather than replace the individual tiles, which are difficult to fully replicate. St. Elisabeth will also install a plexiglass enclosure to keep the mural safe in the future.

"In here, we request for your monetary assistance and hereby ask for your most generous donation in restoring the intricate and delicate tile painting of Mother Mary," the church said. "We will also install a plexiglass casing enclosure for added security and protection. You may submit your donation thru this website, mail-in or drop-off your donation in the Parish Office and indicate Guadalupe Restoration Fund on your envelope."

The suspect was wearing all black clothing with a yellow neck gaiter at the time of the vandalism and fled westbound on Kittridge Street on foot. Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call the LAPD's Van Nuys station at 818-374-9500.