Police announced that on Sunday they arrested a "career criminal" for the deadly Phoenix church break-in that left one priest dead and sent another to the hospital.
Authorities say that 54-year-old Gary Michael Moran, who was released from prison two months ago after a five-year stint for burglary, was arrested for the murder of Rev. Kenneth Walker and the assault of Rev. Joseph Terra, Reuters reports.
Police connected Moran to the crime due to DNA evidence and he faces first-degree murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and theft charges. "He is a career criminal, a violent felony offender, " said Phoenix Police Chief Daniel Garcia.
"The suspect made admissions to his involvement in the crime ... He admitted to the struggle, and ultimately invoked his right to remain silent."
As previously reported, Terra called police late on Wednesday, saying someone was breaking into the Mother of Mercy Mission Catholic Church.
By the time police arrived on the scene, Moran was long gone and Walker was fatally injured. Terra managed to perform final rites on the priest before Walker passed away.