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Murder charge filed in case of missing priest from Florida

This photo provided by St. Johns County Sheriffs Office shows Father Rene Wayne Robert, a Roman Catholic priest in Florida whose body was found in rural east Georgia, who dedicated his life to working with prisoners and society's downtrodden. He was reported missing April 12 after church officials became concerned when he missed an appointment. (FHSMV/St. Johns County Sheriffs Office via AP) This photo provided by St. Johns County Sheriffs Office shows Father Rene Wayne Robert, a Roman Catholic priest in Florida whose body was found in rural east Georgia, who dedicated his life to working with prisoners and society's downtrodden. He was reported missing April 12 after church officials became concerned when he missed an appointment. (FHSMV/St. Johns County Sheriffs Office via AP)

By Associated Press April 21, 2016 3 min read

ATLANTA (AP) – Georgia authorities have filed a murder charge against a man described as a “career criminal” who led authorities to a body believed to be that of a missing Florida priest, a law enforcement official said Thursday morning.

Steve James Murray, 28, of Jacksonville, Florida, faces a first-degree murder charge, Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesman Scott Dutton told The Associated Press.

An autopsy found that the victim – believed to be the Rev. Rene Wayne Robert of St. Augustine, Florida – was shot multiple times, Dutton said.

Robert had dedicated his life to working with prisoners and society’s downtrodden, a calling police say put him in contact with his killer. Robert may have been trying to help Murray, who was recently released from jail, police have said.

“There are more details through interviews that will hopefully clarify some of those issues,” Dutton said.