Sheriff: Suspect in priest slaying attempted hanging again

JONESBORO, Ga. – A Georgia sheriff says an inmate accused of killing a 71-year-old Florida priest tried to hang himself in jail for the second time this year.

Burke County Sheriff Greg Coursey tells news outlets that 28-year-old Steven James Murray was hospitalized after he tried to kill himself Saturday at the Clayton County jail. Murray was later brought back to the jail, where he remains on suicide watch.

Authorities say Murray attempted to hang himself at the Burke County jail in June.

In April, a weeklong search for the Rev. Rene Wayne Robert of St. Augustine, Florida, ended in east Georgia when the priest’s body was found in the woods.

Authorities believe Murray kidnapped the priest, took him to Georgia in his own car and killed him there on April 10.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles