The Latest: Body of missing priest is positively identified

ATLANTA – The Latest on charges related to a missing Florida priest whose body was found in Georgia (all times local):

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1:15 p.m.

Investigators say they’ve positively identified a body found in a wooded part of east Georgia as a Florida priest who has been missing since April 10.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday afternoon that dental records confirm the body is that of the Rev. Rene Wayne Robert.

Authorities say 28-year-old Steve James Murray of Jacksonville, Florida, faces a murder charge in Georgia in connection with the priest’s death.

An autopsy found that Robert was shot multiple times.

At a Wednesday court appearance, Murray said that he’s “very sorry.” He’s being held without bond in the Burke County Jail in Georgia.

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10:40 a.m.

ATLANTA — A man facing a murder charge in the disappearance of a Florida priest said he has “mental problems” and asked for forgiveness as he was led from a courthouse in east Georgia.

In video aired by local TV stations (bit.ly/244d0EU) 28-year-old Steve James Murray said Wednesday that he’s “very sorry” and that if people love the Rev. Rene Wayne Robert, they will forgive him.

Asked by a reporter what happened, Murray replied that he has mental problems and “I lost control of myself.” Another reporter asks Murray specifically what he did, and Murray doesn’t respond as authorities place him inside a waiting car outside the courthouse.

Authorities say the priest worked with prisoners, a calling police say put him in contact with his killer.

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8:30 a.m.

ATLANTA — Georgia authorities say they’ve 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.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesman Scott Dutton on Thursday told The Associated Press that 28-year-old Steve James Murray of Jacksonville, Florida, has been charged with murder in Georgia.

Dutton says an autopsy found that the victim — believed to be the Rev. Rene Wayne Robert of St. Augustine, Florida — was shot multiple times.

Dutton says the body was found in a heavily wooded area of Burke County, in east Georgia, where Murray is being held without bond.

Police say Murray knew Robert and led authorities to the body in woods near Waynesboro, Georgia.

Murray was arrested in South Carolina while driving the priest’s Toyota Corolla.

(This item has been corrected to note suspect is charged with murder, not first-degree murder)