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Man reportedly arrested in killing of Catholic priest from Mass. in Spain
A suspect who allegedly killed a Mass. priest in Spain has been identified and arrested, according to local media reports.
Police in Spain have identified and arrested a 27-year-old man suspected of killing a Catholic priest from Massachusetts who died Jan. 20, according to SUR, a Spanish publication.
The suspect, who has not yet been identified, was arrested Jan. 31 after a police investigation in Spain, according to SUR.
Father Richard K. Gross, 80, a Wrentham native, was in the city of Málaga while “preparing to embark on a cruise,” Jesuits USA East Province said.
Gross was allegedly assaulted when entering his apartment, and some of his belongings were stolen, according to SUR. Police believe there may have been multiple perpetrators, SUR reported.
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A neighbor told Spanish publication EFE that the night of Jan. 20, she heard a man screaming for about ten minutes “as if he was being killed.” Gross’ body was not found until the next afternoon, according to the publication.
Gross allegedly suffered a traumatic brain injury in the assault, and it remains unclear whether his death was accidental or premeditated, SUR reported.
Gross was ordained in 1976 and spent five years at Boston College High School as a religion teacher and spiritual counselor, his order said. He later taught at Phillips Academy for over a decade and served as a chaplain at several Catholic and secular schools, according to Jesuits USA.
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In 2023, Gross returned to BC High and continued his pastoral work serving the Jesuit community, according to Jesuits USA.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Father Gross’s family, his brother Jesuits, and all those blessed by his ministry and friendship,” BC High said in a statement shortly after Gross’ death was announced. “We pray for his eternal peace and comfort for those mourning his loss.”
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