By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
A priest from the Diocese of Austin, Texas who disappeared while preparing a retirement home in the border town of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, has been found dead.
According to a report by the Catholic News Agency (CNA), the body of 69 year-old Fr. Jesse Euresti was found on the side of a highway near the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. Fr. Euresti, of Cristo Rey Catholic Church in east Austin, was last heard from on the morning of April 7 when he called his sister to say he was close to the border.
Later that same day, neighbors in Nuevo Laredo called police to say the priest’s garage door was wide open. Mexican police discovered blood and a knife inside the home and feared foul play was involved. They are presently searching for the caretaker, Martin Torres, who lived at the house.
Fr. Euresti’s body was found along the side of the road this weekend and positively identified by his sister.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, Bishop of Austin Gregory Aymond confirmed that Fr. Euresti had been murdered and that the caretaker was the prime suspect in the case.
The priest’s body is awaiting autopsy in Mexico before it will be released to the archdiocese, Fox 7 of Austin reports. A special service for parishioners is scheduled for this afternoon, with Bishop Aymond presiding.
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