Jesus Doll Hanging Stuns Town

WAITSBURG - The Baby Jesus figure from Waitsburg's Presbyterian Church was found hanged by a tree near the church Monday morning.

Pastor Bret Moser of the church said the recent incident is a violent crime and is asking the community to help find the suspects.

Moser said a neighbor saw spectators in front of the church on Main and Fifth streets taking photos Monday morning about 8 a.m. and upon realizing the hanged figure, alerted Moser and removed it.

Deputy Brian Bush with the Walla Walla Sheriff's Office said there has never been an offense like this in the Waitsburg community. The incident could be regarded as a hate crime, Bush said, but hate crimes vary greatly in their degree. The offense could be classified as malicious mischief, a hate crime or as malicious harassment. Those found guilty of malicious harassment could face a Class C Felony, Bush said.

The church's nativity scene displayed on the front lawn, and specifically the Jesus figure in a manger, has been the target of recent mischief. Twice, the Baby Jesus has gone missing from its manger, Moser said. First, the Baby Jesus was taken from the nativity scene and thrown under a stone bench outside the church where the clergyman found it. Next, the figure was stolen and the manger was left damaged. The figure was later recovered.

Earlier this month, police and citizens' reports indicate a group of troublemakers stole outdoor Christmas lights and decorations. The shenanigans were reported on Second, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh and Main streets, and both sides of Coppei.

Last Friday night, about half of the luminaries lit to celebrate the Baker marriage on Fifth Street were kicked over, Moser said.

Between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m., Moser said what is suspected to be a group of three young men, one with blond hair, took a cigarette lighter and burned off a piece of rope that was holding down a sign on the side of the church. With that piece of rope, the suspects made a noose and strung up the Jesus figure.

Moser said this recent incident is "very disappointing" and he is concerned the offenders will move toward more violent crimes.

"(These actions) are bordering on hate crimes now," Moser said.

Monday morning after the Jesus was found, Moser put the baby back in its manger.

He asks that the neighbors and the community keep an eye on the church so the suspects can be caught.

Bush said he does not know if the troublemakers will continue their crimes. He suspects students at the high school know who is responsible for the acts, but they aren't coming forward with information.

"We just really want it to stop," Moser said. "It's hurting people."

Those with information about the incidents are urged to call the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office at 509-527- 3265.