SENECA, Kansas — Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the fatal shooting of a Catholic priest outside a church residence in the small town of Seneca.
Gary Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Father Arul Carasala, 57. According to Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert, Hermesch is currently being held on $1 million bond.
Deadly Shooting Outside Church Residence
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) reported that a 911 call was made around 3 p.m. on Thursday to report gunshots at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
When deputies arrived, they found Father Carasala suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside the church’s rectory. He was quickly transported to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, the KBI said.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
Kansas Highway Patrol troopers secured the scene while deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and Seneca Police officers arrested Hermesch shortly after the shooting.
While formally charged on Friday, Hermesch was initially booked into the Nemaha County Jail as the investigation continued.
Community Mourns Beloved Priest
The Archbishop of Kansas City, Joseph F. Naumann, expressed heartbreak over the tragedy:
“This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend. Fr. Carasala was a devoted and zealous pastor who faithfully served our Archdiocese for over twenty years.”
In a post shared by Saints Peter and Paul Parish, the community asked for time to grieve:
“We are in shock and disbelief. Please allow our parish community to process. We will release official information as it becomes available.”
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A Life of Service
According to the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, Father Arul Carasala was ordained in March 1994 in his home Diocese of Cuddapah, India.
He had served at Saints Peter and Paul Parish for nearly 14 years and was also Dean of the Nemaha-Marshall deanery.
“His deep faith, pastoral care, and generous spirit touched the lives of so many,” the Archdiocese said in a heartfelt tribute.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Gary Hermesch is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday afternoon. Authorities have not released information regarding a possible motive.
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to come forward.
