Denver Police Search for Suspect Who Stole Century-Old Statues from Historic Downtown Church

Two 100-year-old bronze statues of Saint Rita and Saint Paul were stolen from Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Denver. Police are using surveillance video to find the suspect.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 5:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from CBS Colorado and the Holy Ghost Catholic Church parish records.

Theft at a Historic Downtown Refuge

The Denver Police Department is investigating a targeted theft at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, a downtown landmark that has served the city since the 1920s. According to parish leaders, a man was recorded on security footage last week systematically dismantling the religious icons located near the church’s front doors. Father Paul Nguyen described the church as a "second home" and a "lifeline" for the local population, expressing deep concern over the repeated vandalism and theft the building has faced recently.

Description of the Stolen Artifacts

The stolen items are bronze miniatures depicting Saint Rita and Saint Paul. These statues have been part of the parish’s collection since 1924 and were permanently installed at the main entrance upon the completion of the church's upper structure in 1943. While their raw material value as bronze may be modest, church officials emphasize that their historical and sentimental worth is irreplaceable. Replacing the custom century-old pieces could cost the parish thousands of dollars.

Suspect Information and Motive

Surveillance video shows a lone male suspect utilizing a hammer and what appears to be a crowbar to pry the bronze figures from their mountings. The motive for the crime remains under investigation; officials are unsure if the suspect intended to resell the bronze for scrap or if the act was driven by personal grievances against the institution. Father Nguyen noted that the church has dealt with a string of recent issues, including broken windows and general property damage.