Church Broken Into; Deer Carcass Found Inside

 Members of the Gardner Hill Community church in Weedville are shaken up.

On Wednesday morning a member of the church entered to find a gruesome discovery.

Pennsylvania State Police in Ridgway said that someone broke into the church in Fox Township sometime between Sunday and Tuesday.

Members of the church told WJAC thieves jimmied open the front door. A stereo system and an antique table were stolen. Members of the church said that a window was also broken.

Members say they aren't too concerned about being burglarized, it is what was left behind that has them shaken up.

Wednesday morning a deer carcass was also found inside the church.

A member of the church said the doe was left at the altar.

Doty McDowell, Wildlife Conservation Officer for the Pennsylvania Game Commission told WJAC this is something he has never seen in his years with the commission.

According to McDowell, the doe had been dead for about 18-24 hours.

McDowell said that whoever killed the doe could see additional charges. According to McDowell, the doe may have been killed by an illegal firearm.

The insurance company assessing the damages told WJAC that they believe the church is looking at $1500 in damages.

Members of the church do not understand why someone would do this. The church has been a part of the community since the 1940's and only has a few dozen members.

Anyone with information should call Pennsylvania State Police in Ridgway.