<Father Edward Hinds, the pastor of St. Patrick Church in Chatham, was found dead inside the rectory Friday morning, officials said. (FILE)
Scene outside Saint Patrick's Church Photo
CHATHAM, N.J. (WPIX) - Authorities are investigating the death of the pastor of a northern New Jersey church after he was discovered dead Friday morning, officials confirmed.
The body of Father Ed Hinds of Saint Patrick's Church in Chatham was found inside the church's rectory, dressed for mass. Officials say the pastor was scheduled to preside over an 8 a.m. service, but never showed. A parishioner later discovered Hinds' body in the rectory kitchen.
The church, which is located on 41 Oliver Street, remains closed as police investigate. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office tells PIX News that authorities are treating the death as a homicide.
Local and county police officers have closed off several blocks around the church. Students from neighboring Saint Patrick's school are being sent home for the day, church officials said. The school reportedly has nearly 400 students enrolled.
"We are deeply saddened by the unexpected death of such a great and giving pastor,"Bishop Arthur Serratelli with the Diocese of Paterson told reporters outside of St. Patrick's Church. "We are praying for the repose of his soul."
CHATHAM, N.J. — Authorities say a priest was found slain in the rectory of his northern New Jersey parish one day after police held a public safety seminar there.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi said Friday that the body of the Rev. Ed Hinds (HYNDZ') had wounds "consistent with a homicide."
The prosecutor would not say how the priest was killed, and no one has been arrested.
The clothed body of the 61-year-old priest was found in the morning at St. Patrick's Church in Chatham. That's about 10 miles west of Newark.
Police held a safety seminar at the church Thursday in which they fingerprinted and photographed young children.
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