Officials said that three teenagers were arrested for allegedly stealing a swan valued by the community of New York, before killing and eating it over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Manlius police, in a suburb southeast of Syracuse, raised the alarm this week when Faye and her four baby swans (known as cygnets) went missing following a Memorial Day Parade.
It was unclear when Faye, her family and friends vanished. Police said that they were reviewing video footage to find out what happened.
The Town of Malnius Police Department released an update on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, it was discovered that Faye… had been murdered over the weekend,” they said.
Paul Whorrall, the mayor of Manlius, revealed on Wednesday that a mother swan was “consumed.”
According to The Associated Press, Whorrall stated, “It’s sad to say but they did that.”
Manlius police Sgt. Ken Hatter, a news agency spokesperson, said that the bird was brought to the aunt’s home of one suspect, where it had been prepared and cooked.
Police said that the four cygnets had been found and were safe. They were being cared for by a biologist who is responsible for the health and well-being of Manlius swans.
Hatter stated that three teenagers were arrested in connection with the alleged swan killing after a citizen in Salina, who was concerned about two baby swans found in a nearby store called authorities.
He said that one of the suspects working in the store admitted to taking the birds with two other teens.
Hatter stated that the three teenagers were arrested Tuesday, and now face charges of grand larceny as well as criminal mischief.
According to the AP, two of the suspects were released by police to their parents because they are minors. They said that the third suspect, aged 18, is still awaiting his arraignment. No information was available on their lawyers.
New York, however, is not among them.
Manlius’ swan pond has served as a local landmark for over a century.
Whorrall stated that “the swans are a part this village since well over 100 year.” “We are known for our Swans.”
Faye, along with her friend Manny, lived in Manlius for over a decade, after the swans were donated by Michael Bean, a self-described “swan expert” and biologist.
Josh Cradduck, The Associated Press and others contributed.
