Retired Priest, 87, Dies After Shelter Island Home Invasion

SHELTER ISLAND, NY — Almost a month after he was "restrained" and left in critical condition following a burglary in his Shelter Island Home, an 87-year-old retired priest died of his injuries Monday, Suffolk County Police said.

The retired Episcopalian Rev. Canon Paul Wancura was initially in critical condition after he was left in his home for an extended period of time after the burglary, authorities said.

At a press conference in Yaphank after the incident, Acting Suffolk County Police Commissioner Stuart Cameron said Wancura was supposed to assist with a mass at the Church of the Messiah in Central Islip and "didn't show up."

The Diocese reached out to a local pastor on Shelter Island to check on his welfare and when he arrived around noon on Monday, March 19, "he heard noises through the open garage door," Cameron said.

Shelter Island Police officers responded to the residence Oak Tree Lane at 12:40 p.m. where they found him tied up, police said.

Wancura, who was injured, was transported by Suffolk County Aviation in critical condition, requiring surgery.

The priest was believed to have been restrained for an extended period of time.

"He was found between his bed and the wall," Cameron said.

Suffolk County Police announced a $10,000 fast cash Crime Stoppers Reward; anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-220-TIPS.

"We do not believe this is a random incident," Cameron said. "We believe he was specifically targeted."

Shelter Island is a safe area, he added. "That's one reason this is so shocking," Cameron said. "But we don't believe this is a random attack and we don't believe it is affecting the safety of other residents of Shelter Island."

There is no description of a suspect but police believe the motive was a burglary. However police could not detail what, if anything, had been stolen.

When asked if there was anything in Wancura's life that might have led to the targeted burglary, Cameron said he was an "honorable man" and there was no indication otherwise.

Major Case Section detectives, in cooperation with the Shelter Island Police Department, are actively investigating the circumstances of the incident and are seeking the public's help for any information that can lead to the identification of the suspect or suspects.

Detectives ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.