The motivation for the murder is unclear, as the priest had never spoken of being the victim of threats nor of having had disputes with anyone.
Newsroom (07/03/2022 13:10, Gaudium Press ) Father José Enrique Vásquez, who had been missing, was found dead in the city of San Pedro Sula, located in northern Honduras. The announcement of the finding of the priest’s body was made by Bishop Ángel Garachana Pérez of San Pedro Sula.
“Father Enrique Vásquez was murdered and his body was found north of San Pedro. Once again the blood of the martyrs bathes our land. The pain hits me very closely, because this was a priest of the Diocese of San Pedro Sula, ordained by me and whom I have accompanied throughout these years,” the prelate lamented.
Six shots fired
According to Agenzia Fides, the priest’s body was found on the night of Wednesday, March 2, in his car near his parents’ home. As he was not carrying any documents, his unidentified corpse was taken to the Forensic Medical Institute.
The following day, the Diocese reported him missing, not knowing that his body had already been found. The Bishop who identified the deceased priest stated that Father Enrique had suffered six gunshots to his body.
The case is being investigated by police authorities
The Bishop says he has no idea of the motive for the murder, as the priest never mentioned that he had received any threats nor that he had any sort of dispute with anyone. Police authorities are investigating the case.
“We cannot speculate at this time about what happened; we know where the priest’s body was found, where his vehicle was found and where he was last seen. Corresponding investigations are being carried out and we hope to have more information in the coming hours,” said National Police Director Gustavo Sánchez. (EPC)
Compiled by Sandra Chisholm
