AMERICA/MEXICO - Priest found stabbed to death at his home near his parish at Ciudad Juarez

Ciudad Juarez (Fides Service) - A Catholic priest Father Ramon Navarrete Islas, aged 56, was found dead at his home near the parish where he worked in Ciudad Juarez a town near the Mexican border with the United States. The body was found on the floor and the priest had been stabbed to death probably early in the morning of July 6. Police investigating the case say the priest was probably attacked by one or more thieves. The apartment was in a shambles and the priest’s car had gone. It is still to be ascertained whether other objects of value were taken. Father Ramon Navarrete Islas who was from Los Mochis and been assistant priest at Mother Mary parish for a year, lived alone and was known to be a quiet, serious person. The area surrounding the parish is infamous for the situation of violence and social decline.. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 8/7/2004; Righe 11 - Parole 176)