Murray, who was arrested in SC while driving the priest’s Toyota, is being held without bond. He was reported missing April 12 after church officials became concerned when he missed an appointment.
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Authorities believe Robert was introduced to Murray by a young woman the priest had been counseling.
Following his arrest, Murray disclosed “several locations involved in this case”, including the location where Father Rene Robert’s body was eventually found.
One week later, officials announced the Florida priest’s body was found hundreds of miles away in Georgia. “I have mental problems, and I lost control of myself, and I apologize”.
The bishop of St. Augustine mourned the death of Father Rene Robert, a priest of the diocese who was found dead in Georgia and was believed murdered. Shoar said that Murray will be charged by the state of Georgia and that deputies are in close communication with prosecutors there. He was previously jailed for a suspended license, but got out of prison, four days before the St. Augustine-based priest’s disappearance.
Murray was arrested in SC while driving the priest’s Toyota Corolla.
Sheriff Greg Coursey says Murray would not be facing murder charges in the county if investigators weren’t confident that this is where the crime happened.
On Monday April 18, 2016, investigators from the St. Johns County Florida and Jacksonville Florida Sheriff’s Office transported Murray to Georgia and met with Georgia authorities for the goal of locating Robert.
According to the investigation, the priest was last seen on the 10 of April, Sunday when he went to Orange Park Medical Center to pay a visit on a patient.
Father Robert, who was originally from Waterford in upstate NY, was deeply mourned by his friends and family.
Wednesday, April 13: Authorities identified Murray, 28, after he allegedly was spotted in Robert’s vehicle Tuesday night in Florida.
On Thursday, April 21, 2016, dental records from Florida were compared, confirming the identity of the decedent is Father Robert.
“I can’t forgive him (Murray)”.
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Chuck Mulligan explained Murray knew Rev. Robert through family in Florida. “He died doing what he loved”.
