'Because of 26' Seeking Safe Return of Stolen Mural Butterfly

Less than a week after the community came together to join members of ‘Because of 26’ in honoring those who were killed in the tragic December Newtown school shooting, a mural dedicated to honoring the victims and promoting a better community has been targeted.

One of the 26 butterflies, painted by area residents in honor of each of the 26 Sandy Hook victims, was stolen from the wall on the trail and members of ‘Because of 26’ and Mary DeCroce have a simple request: help the butterfly return home safe.

“We are hurt and disappointed – what was meant to be an everlasting reminder to those on the trails to seek out acts of kindness in honor of those lost has been touched by someone who clearly doesn't understand the meaning behind the event,” Lisa Wrubleski wrote on the groups Facebook page Monday.

“It is our hope that a true act of kindness for our town can be shown by returning the butterfly and for the mural to be left alone for generations to come to enjoy.”

As part of a celebration on June 26, the group led by DeCroce had the mural put in place. The mural contained 26 separate butterflies – one for each victim – that were made of wood and screwed into the side of a building along Southington’s linear trail.

Five days after the mural was complete, however, DeCroce began receiving emails from those along the trail reporting that one of the butterflies, an orange and black butterfly designed to look like a monarch, was missing.

The butterfly was removed pulled off the screws and could possibly be broken, officials said. All they are asking is for the butterfly’s return.

“I just want it back. I want it protected and respected,” DeCroce told the Record-Journal Monday. “Those lives were stolen forever from their families and horrifically harmed and why would you do that to them? It’s so sad and not right.”

If anyone knows the whereabouts of the butterfly or can assist with it’s return, feel free to contact ‘Because of 26’ through the group’s Facebook page.

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