Suspect In Phoenix Priest Killing Had Recently Left Prison

Suspect In Phoenix Priest Killing Had Recently Left Prison
Gary Moran is seen in this June 16, 2014 booking photo provided by the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office. Moran is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder, burglary and armed robbery, among others charges in the killing of a Roman Catholic priest and the beating of a second priest at a downtown Phoenix church. The Rev. Kenneth Walker was shot and killed and the Rev. Joseph Terra was badly beaten and remains hospitalized from the Wednesday, June 11, 2014 attack at the Mother of Mercy Mission Catholic church in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Maricopa Country Sheriffs Office)
Gary Moran is seen in this June 16, 2014 booking photo provided by the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office. Moran is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder, burglary and armed robbery, among others charges in the killing of a Roman Catholic priest and the beating of a second priest at a downtown Phoenix church. The Rev. Kenneth Walker was shot and killed and the Rev. Joseph Terra was badly beaten and remains hospitalized from the Wednesday, June 11, 2014 attack at the Mother of Mercy Mission Catholic church in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Maricopa Country Sheriffs Office)

A suspect has been charged in the attack last week inside a Phoenix church rectory that left one Catholic priest dead and another badly beaten.

A few hours before today's scheduled requiem mass for Father Kenneth Walker, authorities announced that 54-year-old Gary Moran had been arrested for the June 11 shooting.

Authorities released few additional details. They have not identified a motive, nor have they revealed what ties Moran to the crime scene at Mother of Mission Mercy, the Associated Press reports.

Moran emerged from prison in April having completed most of a 10-year sentence for burglary and aggravated assault, the Arizona Republic reports.

Father Joseph Terra, 56, the priest who was beaten, performed last rites on Walker, 29, following the attack.

Despite suffering brain injuries, Terra provided police with a description of the suspect, according to TV station KSAZ.

Terra left intensive care on Sunday and is expected to fully recover, TV station KPHO reports.

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