Community Corner
Today in History: Money Stolen From Church for Heroin; Couple Charged in Sailor Homicide
$7 was stolen and replaced with a note that said the money was taken to buy heroin, and asked the church's pastor to "please forgive and pray for me."
On this day in history in 1971, the Imperial Beach Star News published a story about an unknown thief stealing $7 from a donation box meant to help the poor at St. Mary's By the Sea at the corner of 5th Street and Imperial Beach Boulevard.
"The note, which was personally addressed to Father Atwell Stewart, the pastor, also said 'Please forgive and pray for me.'"
The church, also known as Santa Maria Virgin Episcopal Mission, was closed in February 2011 by the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.
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Also reported in the Star News, jury selection finished for the trial of a husband and wife in the killing of 21-year-old NAS North Island sailor Bernard McGovern.
Matthew Donnelly was charged with murder and Elizabeth Donnelly charged with being an accessory to murder.
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According to the prosecutor, McGovern was last seen alive at a party at the Donnelly's home on 13th Street. Almost a month later, his body was found in the trunk of his car at Lindberg Field. The Donnellys were arrested in New York City where Matthew allegedly went for a summer job as a carpenter.
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