Police said they believe they have found the body of a missing Florida priest in rural Georgia more than a week after his disappearance.
The body of the Rev. Rene Robert, 71, is awaiting positive confirmation, but “all evidence indicates” the remains are his, the St. Johns County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Steven James Murray led detectives to the remains in Burke County, Georgia, on Monday night, the statement said. Burke County borders South Carolina, where Murray was arrested last week after allegedly ditching Robert’s car in Aiken.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said it expects Murray will be charged with first-degree murder in the coming days. Burke County officials did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation.
The disappearance of the beloved small-town cleric touched off a search spanning multiple jurisdictions. Here’s how the search unfolded:
Tuesday, April 12: The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office checked on Robert after church officials reported he missed a funeral — “uncharacteristic and not in keeping with his normal activities, ” the department said in a Facebook post. A neighbor told police Robert was last seen on April 10 in his apartment. His car, a 2012 blue Toyota four-door with a Florida Special Olympics tag, also was missing.
Wednesday, April 13: Authorities identified Murray, 28, after he allegedly was spotted in Robert’s car Tuesday night in Florida. Police lost Murray during a car chase near a construction zone on Interstate 95 in Duval County, Florida, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Murray on a charge of aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude.
Later Wednesday, Robert’s car was found in Aiken.
Thursday, April 14: Murray was arrested early Thursday in a wooded area close to where Robert’s car was found. Murray lives in South Carolina, but he knew the priest through family in Florida, St. Johns sheriff’s Cmdr. Chuck Mulligan said.
“We believe Murray took advantage of his kindness,” Mulligan said.
St. Johns Sheriff David Shoar, who knew Robert through weddings and baptisms the priest performed for relatives, assured the community that multiple jurisdictions were working to find Robert.
Saturday, April 16: The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office joined St. Johns County in searching for Robert. The department appealed to people in the I-10/Beaver Street corridor between Baldwin and I-295 to check their property thoroughly.
Monday, April 18: Murray led authorities to the remains in Georgia, according to police.
“I join many others within our community who were touched by Father Rene over the years and extend my condolences to his family and friends,” Shoar said.
“He will be sorely missed. I am confident that all of the investigators will continue their hard work in seeking a successful prosecution of this heinous act.”
