In the early morning hours of June 6, Columbus Police Department officers arrested a man near the Courtyard Marriott, located off of Sixth Street North, who insisted he was the Son of God.
According to Public Information Officer Johannah Owusu, officers responded to a report of a man wearing a white robe, with several other robes hanging behind him on a fence, near the hotel.
When questioned, the suspect allegedly admitted to stealing the robes from a local church. He also insisted he was Jesus, and explained he had burglarized two churches for “religious reasons,” Owusu said.
The suspect maintained he was Jesus for some time after his arrest, Owusu said, but later admitted his name was Deshon Marquez Oneal, 27, of Columbus.
Oneal was charged with two counts of burglary and one count of disorderly conduct.
Owusu said it wasn’t clear if the man had mental issues or not. She did say he had exhibited “some questionable behavior” during his arrest, but declined to elaborate.
Oneal was still in custody at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center as of press time.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion