Mysterious statue decapitation prompts Sudburians to pool reward money (photos)

SUDBURY - More Sudburians are pitching in to increase a reward for information leading to the arrest of those who vandalized the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, which overlooks downtown Sudbury.

Sometime between 1 p.m. on May  22 and 7 a.m. on May 23, four bronze statues were decapitated at Grotto, which is located at 271 Van Horne St. 

Crime Stoppers described the statues as having great historical value to the community, having been placed at the site in the early 1900s. The heads that were removed have not been found.

When news first broke, the Lougheed family offered a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest of those responsible.

Now, that reward has jumped to $4,500 after local lawyers Glenn Sandberg and Barry Poulson, retired lawyer Victor Vere and business owner Michael Toppazinni all pitched in to boost the amount.

“It is good to see the community support in apprehending those responsible for such a heinous and wrong act,” Gerry Lougheed said.

A guaranteed reward is being offered for tips received before midnight on Thursday, July 16 if the information leads to the identity of the culprits (reward money will be divided if many successful tips are received).

For tips received after the deadline, the standard process for determining reward amounts will apply.

If you want to provide information on the identity and/or location of these culprits or have any information about other criminal activity, and you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or submit an online tip on our secure website SudburyCrimeStoppers.com.