Priest Found Shot Outside Church Rectory
SENECA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities in Kansas have arrested a man from Oklahoma in connection with the fatal shooting of a Catholic priest outside a church rectory.
The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office reported that officers responded to a call at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca on Thursday afternoon. They found Father Arul Carasala, 57, suffering from gunshot wounds outside the rectory. He was transported to a hospital but did not survive.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Law enforcement later arrested Gary Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, who is currently being held at the Nemaha County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder. Authorities have not disclosed a potential motive or any prior connection between the suspect and the priest.
Community in Shock Over Tragic Loss
Kris Anderson, the parish’s director of religious education, described the incident as deeply shocking. “From what we know, an older man walked up to him (Carasala) and shot him three times,” she said.
Father Carasala had been serving as pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church since 2011. Originally from India, he was ordained in 1994 and had served in multiple Kansas parishes since 2004. He became a U.S. citizen in 2011 while maintaining his status as an overseas citizen of India.
Church Leaders Call for Unity and Prayers
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas assured the public that there is no ongoing threat but acknowledged the deep sorrow felt by the community. “This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend,” he said in a statement.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. No further details have been released at this time.
