According to a Facebook post from the Covington, Louisiana Police Department, Monday, November 28, officers responded to the scene of an apparent double homicide where two victims were located burned beyond recognition.

After some more investigation, it was determined that one of the victims was retired Catholic priest Father Otis Young, 71. Before retiring he had served the congregation at St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington.

According to a report, Young suffered from 'blunt and sharp trauma'. The two burned bodies were discovered in the 500 block of East Gibson Street in Covington which is located only a few blocks away from the church.

As of this posting, the second deceased individual has not been officially identified, however, Ruth Prats, a longtime church assistant, has also been reported missing.

An arrest has been made in this gruesome case. The Covington Police Department has arrested Antonio Donde Tyson,49, of Covington, Louisiana.  He was taken into custody and booked accordingly for the following charges:

Two counts of First Degree Murder, Two counts of Second Degree Kidnapping, one count of Obstruction of Justice, one count of Resisting an Officer, and one count of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.

According to a report, Tyson is a convicted rapist and was recently released from Angola Prison in Louisiana after serving three decades.

A funeral mass for Father Young will take place on Monday, December 5th. Archbishop Gregory Aymond released the following statement:

The horror of the events that have unfolded here in Covington is beyond shocking. The pain, sadness, and disbelief that something like this could happen will stay with us but particularly those who are most directly affected for a very long time.

Today as we await confirmation of the second victim, I offer my prayers for both victims of this heinous crime. In a particular way we prayerfully remember Fr. Otis, a beloved pastor who touched the lives of so many with his faith, warmth, and pastoral heart. This is a loss for our church and for the entire community.

I extend my prayerful support and that of the clergy, religious, and laity of the archdiocese to the Covington community and in particular for the parishioners of St. Peter Parish. I also want to extend my gratitude and prayers to the law enforcement personnel, the coroner, and all authorities who have worked so carefully and thoroughly through these very difficult circumstances.

For all those who are hurting and asking how this could happen, may I humbly offer that we turn to our Lord Jesus in this time of mourning.

Let us continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Otis and for Ruth Prats who remains missing, and for both their families and all who are suffering. Let us pray that we may all know God’s love, mercy, and hope.

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