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A man charged in the shooting death of a Kansas priest will undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is mentally fit to face trial.
Prosecutors confirmed that the suspect is being transferred to the state’s primary mental health facility for assessment.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
Gary Hermesch, a resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is accused of fatally shooting Father Arul Carasala on April 3 outside Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, located in northeast Kansas. The priest was rushed to a nearby hospital but did not survive his injuries.
Authorities reported that Hermesch went directly to the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office shortly after the incident and allegedly confessed to the shooting.
Competency Evaluation Ordered
A district judge is now reviewing whether Hermesch is competent to stand trial. According to Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert, the court ordered a mental health evaluation at Larned State Hospital—the largest psychiatric institution in Kansas.
The assessment will help determine if Hermesch understands the legal proceedings and can participate in his defense.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
A status hearing in the case has been scheduled for December 18, during which the court is expected to review the results of the psychiatric evaluation and determine next steps in the criminal process.
The case involving the death of Father Arul Carasala has entered a critical phase, with the court seeking clarity on the mental competency of the accused shooter, Gary Hermesch.
The upcoming psychiatric evaluation at Larned State Hospital will play a significant role in deciding whether the case moves forward to trial. Updates are expected during the December 18 hearing, which will help shape the future of the proceedings.