Head of decapitated Junipero Serra statue recovered in Monterey

Monterey police have recovered the head of the Junipero Serra statue that was decapitated last October at Lower Presidio Park.

Police said a young girl walking near the tide pool areas of Breakwater Cove in Monterey found the head covered in algae.

The girl’s grandmother, who volunteers at Carmel Mission, recognized the head and called police.

Officers said they are keeping the head for evidence and will be handing it over to their investigations unit, but eventually they will give it back to the mission.