Tuesday, September 25 2012 11:08 PM EDT2012-09-26 03:08:10 GMT
The Buffalo Police Department is investigating what they believe are a series of bias crimes against five churches in the area over the weekend, three of which were damaged.
The Buffalo Police Department is investigating what they believe are a series of bias crimes against five churches in the area over the weekend, three of which were damaged.
BUFFALO, Minn. (KMSP) -
With help from the FBI, the Buffalo Police Department has made an arrest in a string of vandalism at area churches, saying the culprit has confessed to the crimes.
Police say 30-year-old Wade Murray, of rural Buffalo, is being held in the Wright County Jail pending felony charges of criminal damage to property.
Murray is believed to have acted alone, and he told investigators that he committed the acts of vandalism because he is angry with God over personal issues.
There was no mention of political motivations in the crimes.
Over the weekend, six churches in Buffalo were damaged. Stones were thrown through doors and stained glass windows, and offensive signs were left at the following churches:
In all, six separate churches of different denominations were targeted over the weekend. The churches affected are:
7th Day Adventist
Buffalo Presbyterian
Buffalo United Methodist
Hosanna Lutheran
St. Francis Xavier
Zion Lutheran
Formal charges are expected to be filed on Thursday or Friday, and additional charges may be filed as prosecutors review the details on the case.
No additional information will be provided until the criminal complaint is filed in court.
Mitch Weinzetl personally thanked local media for their attention to the case, saying it was "instrumental" in bringing the matter to a quick and safe resolution.
Wade Murray
