Person of Interest in Florida Priest's Disappearance in Custody
Police were seeking a man whom Rev. Rene Robert helped through his ministry.
— -- Police apprehended a person of interest in connection with the disappearance of a Florida priest early Thursday morning.
Steven James Murray was tracked down in a wooded area in Aiken, South Carolina, by bloodhounds, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Aiken County Sheriff’s deputies.
Murray, 28, was identified by police Wednesday as the person of interest in the disappearance of Rev. Rene Robert, 71.
David Shoar, Sheriff of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, held a press conference Thursday afternoon detailing the extent of his relationship with Roberts, who has performed baptisms and marriage ceremonies for members of Shoar's family in the past.
"Laura and I have known Father Rene since he arrived here" Shoar wrote on Facebook, calling him a "wonderful servant."
Robert was reported missing Tuesday to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office after church officials said they were concerned about him when he missed a church function. Robert was last seen late-Sunday afternoon by a neighbor.
His car was found abandoned near Aiken, police said.
Mulligan said Murray's identification as a person of interest came after Robert's blue Toyota Corolla was used in a high-speed pursuit Tuesday evening, from St. Johns County to Duval County, where he eluded capture, police said.
"Robert's disappearance is uncharacteristic,” the sheriff's office said, “and it is believed that foul play is suspected.”
Two St. Johns County investigators will remain in Aiken to continue the investigation into Roberts' disappearance, Mulligan said. Murray is currently being held in a South Carolina jail, where he will remain until he makes his first court appearance for aggravated fleeing and attempting to loot, Mulligan added.
"Mr. Murray is a large component in this case as to the disappearance of Father Rene," Mulligan said.
It is unclear when Murray will be arraigned.