Catholic Priest Shot And Killed Outside Kansas Church

A Catholic priest who had served the Catholic Archdiocese in Kansas City for more than 20 years was shot and killed on Thursday afternoon.

Officers with the Seneca Police Department and Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 911 calls of shots fired at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church rectory in Seneca, Kansas, where they found Fr. Arul Carasala, 57, outside the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, KWCH 12 News reported. Carasala was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

Police arrested 66-year-old Gary L. Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma, in connection with the shooting. Hermesch has yet to be formally charged, according to KWCH 12 News. The circumstances and motive behind the shooting remain unclear as authorities continue their investigation.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann wrote on social media, “This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend,” adding, “There is no ongoing threat to the community, but I recognize the pain and shock that such an event brings.”

“Fr. Carasala was a devoted and zealous pastor who faithfully served our Archdiocese for over twenty years, including as dean of the Nemaha-Marshall region,” Naumann continued. “His love for Christ and His Church was evident in how he ministered to his people with great generosity and care. His parishioners, friends, and brother priests will deeply miss him.”

Carasala was ordained a priest in India in March 1994, according to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church’s website. He had served as pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish since July of 2011, being made pastor shortly after becoming an American citizen.

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) said he is “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Father Arul Carasala due to a senseless act of violence.”

“I am praying for Father Carasala’s family, friends, and parishioners as they grieve,” Marshall added. “We must find who did this, and justice must be served.”