Gary Hermesch Obituary, Death: Beloved Kansas Catholic priest killed in church shooting
Gary Hermesch Obituary, Death – A man has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of Father Arul Carasala, a Catholic priest shot outside his residence at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, Kansas, on Thursday afternoon. The incident, which occurred on April 3, 2025, has left the small community in shock and mourning.
Gary Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was taken into custody on suspicion of first-degree murder following the shooting. At approximately 3 p.m. Thursday, a 911 call was made reporting gunshots near the church. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) confirmed that when authorities arrived at the scene, they found Father Carasala, 57, lying outside the church residence with multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services quickly transported Father Carasala to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. His death has sent a wave of grief through the local community and the broader Archdiocese of Kansas City.
Kansas Highway Patrol troopers were among the first responders, helping to secure the scene. Shortly after, deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from the Seneca Police Department, apprehended Gary Hermesch, who was later booked into the Nemaha County Jail. Authorities have not yet formally charged Hermesch, as investigations into the circumstances of the shooting continue.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is leading the inquiry into the events leading up to the fatal shooting. As of now, the motive behind the crime remains unclear, and authorities are working to gather more details to understand what led to the tragic incident.
In the wake of Father Carasala’s death, local and religious leaders have expressed deep sorrow. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City shared his heartbreak in a statement, calling the murder a “senseless act of violence” that has left the community in mourning. He described Father Carasala as a “beloved priest, leader, and friend,” who had served the Archdiocese for over twenty years. Archbishop Naumann also praised Carasala’s dedication, describing him as a “devoted and zealous pastor” and noting his significant role as the dean of the Nemaha-Marshall region.
Father Carasala’s death has been especially shocking for the parish community at Saints Peter and Paul Church. The church issued a statement on its official Facebook page, expressing its disbelief and requesting privacy for the community as they process the tragedy. “We are in shock and disbelief,” the parish said. “Please allow our parish community to process. We will release official information as it becomes available.”
Father Carasala was originally from Cuddapah, India, and was ordained in March 1994 in his home Diocese. After his ordination, he served in various roles within the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, and had been ministering at Saints Peter and Paul for nearly 14 years. In addition to his work as a parish priest, he served as the dean of the Nemaha-Marshall deanery, overseeing several local churches in the region. The Archdiocese of Kansas City remembered Father Carasala as a man whose “deep faith, pastoral care, and generous spirit touched the lives of so many.” His lengthy service and personal impact on the community have left a lasting legacy.
The murder of Father Carasala has shaken both the local community of Seneca and the larger Kansas City area. The small town, known for its close-knit community, is now grappling with the loss of a beloved spiritual leader who had served the area with dedication and compassion. His contributions to the community extended beyond his duties at the church; many remember him for his warmth, kindness, and genuine care for others.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting unfolds, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of a respected and cherished figure. The parishioners at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, along with members of the Archdiocese, are left to process the sudden and tragic loss of a leader who had been a constant source of guidance and support.
In the coming days, authorities are expected to provide more information about the investigation, including any potential charges or developments related to the arrest of Gary Hermesch. Meanwhile, tributes and memorials continue to pour in for Father Carasala, as people remember his life of service and his profound impact on the community. While the loss is immeasurable, those who knew him are determined to honor his memory by continuing the work he started—serving others with faith, compassion, and dedication.
