Police ID suspect in Phoenix priest attacks

PHOENIX (AP) — Police have arrested an ex-convict in an attack that left one priest dead and another injured at a Roman Catholic church in Phoenix, connecting forensic evidence from the crime scene with the suspect.

Gary Michael Moran, 54, was being held today on suspicion of first-degree murder, burglary and armed robbery, among others charges, police said.

Moran was released from prison in April after serving about eight years on charges that included aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary, court records show.

In the 2005 case, police said, Moran entered the apartment of someone he didn't know, picked up a steak knife, went into a bedroom and stabbed a man in the abdomen without provocation before being subdued. He was sentenced to 10 years in state prison.

During his time in prison, Moran was found guilty of more than a dozen infractions, including four for drug manufacturing and possession, the Department of Corrections records show.

Police spokesman Sgt. Steve Martos announced the arrest but provided few details ahead of a midday news conference.

The priests were attacked Wednesday in the rectory of the Mother of Mercy Mission. The Rev. Kenneth Walker, 28, was shot and killed and the Rev. Joseph Terra, 56, was badly beaten. Father Terra was able to give Father Walker last rites after the assault.