NJ Priest Murdered in His Kitchen

New Jersey police are investigating the brutal murder of a parish priest. The Rev. Edward J. Hines—better known as Father Ed—was found yesterday in his kitchen after he didn't show up for morning mass. Police didn't divulge details but say the 61-year-old priest suffered massive trauma. No motive is known, but authorities suggested Father Ed's penchant for helping the less fortunate may have contributed, notes the Daily Record.

"This was a community leader whose arms were wide open to the downtrodden," said the county prosecutor. "Maybe one of those individuals was involved. That kind of generosity is preyed upon." (More priest stories.)