Nancy Kelcho of Port Richmond sprays holy water next to a tree in Von Briesen Park where a dead animal was discovered.Posted on 07/06/2009 10:02:18 AM PDT by BGHater
For the past two days, visitors to a park in Staten Island's Fort Wadsworth section have stumbled upon a gory mystery -- a mutilated animal, possibly a dog or a goat, wrapped in a white sheet.
Parkgoers found two such animals in Von Briesen Park yesterday and this morning, city Parks Department officials confirmed.
The discovery has sparked speculation of ritual sacrifice and cult activity, and has led one Port Richmond woman to douse part of the ground where one animal was found with holy water, in an attempt to ward off what she believes is an evil presence.
Several alluded to Santeria, which blends elements of Yoruba, an African religion, with Catholicism and involves animal sacrifice in some of its rituals.
Daya Madison, of St. George, came upon the first carcass at about 10 or 10:30 a.m. yesterday, after her pet terrier, Katie Baby, led her to it.
The carcass was laid out on a clean white sheet, she said, and at first glance, it looked like a dog.
"I didn't look at it that carefully," she said. "All I saw was a lot of flies flying around it, and the insides taken out," she said. "It was gruesome."
Though she said she got no help from 311, she was able to find a Parks Department employee, who told her the animal looked more like a goat.
The second carcass showed up today, wrapped in a white sheet under a curved tree not far from a path a few hundred feet into the park.
"This is not good, doing this," said Nancy Kelcho of Port Richmond, who was walking her Scottie, Tara Lynn, this morning when a friend pointed out the mutilated animal. "This is evil. I just pray to God to take away the evil spirits."
Ms. Kelcho, a firm believer in the supernatural, chanted prayers this afternoon as she sprayed holy water on the ground, and at one point gasped, "Evil! Evil! Evil!"
Though Ms. Kelcho said she was certain the animal she saw was a dog, Parks spokesman Phil Abramson said both animals are believed to be goats.
"We reached out to NYPD on the matter, and we just want to add that it's illegal to kill or harm any animals in parks," he said.
Both Ms. Kelcho and Ms. Madison said they'd heard stories from a neighbor describing three or four people dressed in white and black robes, coming into the park at night Monday.
"I thought it was either Santeria or Voodoo," Ms. Madison said. "It's awful when they have to abuse animals like that. I'm an animal lover... I'm a vegetarian, so it affects me greatly."
Back in August 2005, a couple walking their dog discovered six decapitated chickens positioned in a semicircle, their heads placed in a wooden bowl at the center.
Joseph Pentangelo, a spokesman for the ASPCA, urged anyone who sees a similar mutilation to call his agency at 877-THEASPCA.
Tips can be given confidentially, he said.
Nancy Kelcho of Port Richmond sprays holy water next to a tree in Von Briesen Park where a dead animal was discovered.
“”I thought it was either Santeria or Voodoo,” Ms. Madison said. “It’s awful when they have to abuse animals like that. I’m an animal lover... I’m a vegetarian, so it affects me greatly.””
Good grief.
Diversity of cultures makes us stronger. Let’s not be judgmental. [/s]
I don't practice Santeria
I ain't got no crystal ball
Well I had a million dollars but I, I'd spend it all If I could find that heina and that Sancho that she'd found
Well I'd pop a cap in Sancho and I'd slap her down
Beat me to it. “Sam” was a German Shepherd, wasn’t he? Berkowitz took his name from him.
Sam was the neighbor Sam Carr. I remember being petrified that summer and my mom said “don’t worry he is in the city not here”. LOL he lived a few miles away.
Well, to be fair, versions of Santeria and Voodoo have existed in the US since Colonial times. They’re syncretic religions combining African beliefs brought over by slaves with Christian beliefs they picked up in the New World. These are religions that are unique to the Americas.
Drug Traffickers attack clerics who denounce drugs
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2286599/posts
You’re right. It was Sam Carr’s dog, Harvey, who Berkowitz claimed was telling him to kill people. I had forgotten a lot. What a trip down memory lane. Odd that this story has come up given what’s happening in South Carolina.
Are you from Yonkers?
Parks spokesman Phil Abramson said both animals are believed to be goats.
“We reached out to NYPD on the matter, and we just want to add that it’s illegal to kill or harm any animals in parks,” he said.
So is it OK in the city?
Sure, it shouldn’t be against the law to kill your own animals on your property.
Nope, I just followed the case.
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