Watch Stolen In Burglary That Led To Priest's Death: Cops

SHELTER ISLAND, NY — Police have released a photo of the watch stolen in a burglary that led to the tragic death of a retired Shelter Island priest.

Police said the residence was burglarized and jewelry, including the Lucien Piccard Seashark watch pictured, was stolen. The style of watch sells on auction sites for prices ranging between approximately $399 and $700.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a fast-cash reward of $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case. The reward will be issued within 72 hours, police said.

After a month spent hospitalized after he was "restrained" and left in critical condition following a burglary in his Shelter Island Home, the 87-year-old retired priest died of his injuries, 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 restrained, police said.

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

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."

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.

Anyone with information about the crime can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, texting “SCPD” and your message to “CRIMES” (274637) or by email at www.tipsubmit.com. Or, they can call the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or the Shelter Island Police Department at 631-749-0600. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.