Thief returns plaques to Fort Worth church

All is forgiven, say members of The Church of Christ the King & All Saints to the person who returned 15 plaques taken from a memorial garden during a vandalism spree last week.

Church member Devan Breedlove said Wednesday that the anonymous thief called the church and said, “The plaques are behind the Catholic Church. I did not decapitate Jesus.”

Breedlove said the plaques were found instead at Ridglea Christian Church at 6720 W. Elizabeth Lane, in its community garden.

“The pastor found them,” Breedlove said. “They are in pretty good shape. We are very happy.”

He said the church at 3290 Lackland Road in west Fort Worth decided, as a church, not to press charges.

“He found the heart to return them and we will forgive,” Breedlove said.

Vandals struck the Episcopal church three times last week, taking the head and a hand from a statue of Jesus, stealing a marble angel and making off with 15 of 24 memorial plaques. Church members said they believe the vandals used rocks to mutilate the statue.

The damage was found March 16. Breedlove set up a video surveillance camera that night. The culprits returned March 17 and 18 and took the metal memorial plaques, which are worth $190 each, said Steve Murray, senior ward of the church’s vestry.

Fort Worth police said Wednesday no suspects have been identified.

About 25 church members showed up Saturday to help clean up the mess and prep the grounds for Palm Sunday and Easter services. The work helped the church community recover.

“It helped heal a lot of hurt feelings and wounds and great sadness,” Breedlove said.

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 1:27 PM with the headline "Thief returns plaques to Fort Worth church."