Breaking News: Priests attacked at Phoenix church; 1 shot dead
 

PHOENIX (CBS5) -

One priest was shot to death and another badly injured in their Catholic church in downtown Phoenix on Wednesday night.

Police said the priests were injured during what was initially reported as an attempted robbery at the Mother of Mercy Mission Catholic Church at 16th Avenue and Monroe.

The surviving priest called 911 shortly after 9 p.m. The 58-year-old was in extremely critical condition with unknown injuries, said Phoenix Police Sgt. Steve Martos.

Though he was able to call police, the surviving priest was unable to provide much information about the crime, Martos said.

"Hopefully, once that individual receives treatment and is able to pull through, we can gather more information," Martos said.

The priest who was shot was taken to a Phoenix hospital where he died, Martos said.

Martos said the crime occurred outside the church's sanctuary.

Parishioners outside the church prayed the Rosary with their hands clasped and heads bowed. One woman said the dead priest had recently baptized her baby.

Police found a 2003 green Mazda Tribute believed stolen from the church about three blocks away. They towed it to begin processing it for fingerprints and any other evidence.

No suspects were in custody, Martos said, but "it's just a matter of time that we can locate these individuals."

"It says a lot when talking about individuals who are coming into a location like this to a church facility and commit a crime like this against individuals like this," Martos said. "One can only imagine what they are likely to do."

A 7 a.m. Mass scheduled at the church was moved to St. Catherine's Catholic Church at Central and Southern Avenues in Phoenix.

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not good

Karma finally coming back around to the Catholic church ?

Taliban attack every day to Afghanistan and Pakistan and killing hundred of innocent people every day... did any one talk about that.... just 1 life gone and you people start screaming.... other people life not worth any thing?

recent attack was on airport in Karachi taken 38 innocent life and 25 Shia Muslim killed at border of Iran and Pakistan... did any body talk about that?

Are you banned from starting threads about dead Taliban or something?

:helpme

probably not a robbery :2 cents:

you are welcome to do so :2 cents:

I meant that as a reply to the other guy who complained.

Well if they were allowed to carry weapons in the church this wouldn't have happened.

a weapon only lessons your chance of being killed. if they walk up and shoot you in the head game over

Good, now if that would only happen more often.

Well, at least it is a start!

I find this to be great news

I was brought up Catholic, and thus fully concur with your sentiment.

That is harder to do if you are not talking on your phone or have your headphones on.

It seems no one pays attention to their surroundings any longer.

Yes just go into any walmart to experience this first hand.. They don't even need phones or headphones on to not know where they are going..

anyone taking book on this being an attack on either an abuser or on the church in general for covering up abuse?

Cops who overuse the word "individuals" creep me out.