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Father Otis Young Jr: Missing Louisiana priest identified as one of two victims 'burned beyond recognition'

While Father Otis Young's body has been confirmed, the other is suspected to be that of his parish assistant Ruth Prats, who went missing with him
PUBLISHED DEC 1, 2022
Antonio Donde Tyson (inset) was arrested after two bodies believed to be of Father Otis Young (L) and Ruth Prats (R) were found (Archideocese of New Orleans and WDSU6 News)
Antonio Donde Tyson (inset) was arrested after two bodies believed to be of Father Otis Young (L) and Ruth Prats (R) were found (Archideocese of New Orleans and WDSU6 News)

COVINGTON, LOUISIANA: Lousiana police have confirmed that one of the two charred corpses found near the St Peter Catholic Church is of retired priest  Father Otis Young, Jr, 70, who had been missing since Sunday, November 27, as per NBC news. Both bodies were 'burned beyond recognition' when they were discovered on Monday, November 28 at 7 am, near East Gibson Street, Covington police said on Facebook. While one body has been confirmed to be of Father Young, the other body is suspected to be that of his parish assistant, Ruth Prats, who went missing along with him, reported NBC affiliate WDSU of New Orleans.

As per the report by NOLA.com, the St Tammany Parish coroner stated that the priest died from sharp and blunt force trauma and his death was classified as homicide. In June, Young told a local news outlet that he had difficulty walking after suffering a massive stroke during the pandemic. “It’s very stressful because I try to maintain my balance,” he said. “The standing is a part of what I have to do. I do the Mass as I regularly do, and the deacons have been preaching a lot to give me a chance to sit down and renew my energy."

The second body, which is said to be of a woman, was found along with Young and will need a DNA verification for a positive identity, Daily Beast reported.

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Meanwhile, Antonio Donde Tyson, 49 was arrested for the deaths, even though the motive behind the murder is still unknown. Tyson who had just gotten out of the jail after a 30-year long sentence is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer and the illegal possession of a stolen vehicle, police informed. It's not yet clear if that vehicle belonged to Prats', and which was reported missing on Sunday, November 27.

After Young's stroke, Prats was his full-time caregiver, and the two were inseparable, according to local media.

St Peter Parish released a statement expressing its "devastation" after the tragedy. "We are deeply saddened, and ask that you join us in praying for Fr. Otis and Ruth, who is still listed as a missing person, as well as for their families," the church said, adding that the suspect has no affiliation with them.

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