Slain Nun Sister Marguerite Bartz's SUV Found in eastern Arizona(Teen Charged))

[MuffyBee]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/new/6701384.html
Slain nun's SUV found in eastern Arizona
By HEATHER CLARK Associated Press
Nov. 3, 2009, 4:37PM

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Authorities on Tuesday recovered the vehicle of a nun who was slain on the Navajo Indian reservation and were receiving tips to help them solve the killing of the woman who dedicated her life to helping the poor and oppressed.

Sister Marguerite Bartz, 64, was found dead in her residence at St. Berard Mission Church after she didn't show up to Sunday Mass in the small community of Navajo on the New Mexico-Arizona border.

FBI spokesman Darrin Jones said Bartz's small SUV was found abandoned in a rural area of eastern Arizona on the Navajo reservation. He declined to disclose its condition or discuss any evidence recovered. The vehicle was to be taken to Albuquerque for processing.

FBI investigators believe Bartz was killed sometime between Halloween night and early Sunday. Agents were asking anyone who spoke to Bartz on Saturday to contact them. Jones said they have received tips from people in the community.

There was nothing to indicate Bartz's death had any religious overtones, Jones said.

"I have no reason to believe she was targeted because she was a nun," he said, declining to release further details about Bartz's death. He said autopsy results were expected Wednesday.

Lee Lamb, a spokesman for the Diocese of Gallup, said other religious workers also live in remote reservation locations. He asked them to be extra vigilant — for example, to use extra lighting and identify someone knocking at a door before opening it.

"These are just steps that anyone should be taking. But especially religious people in these remote areas of our diocese, you just want to be vigilant," Lamb said.

Bartz was one of 16 Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament ministering within the Gallup Diocese, which spans 55,000 square miles in New Mexico and Arizona.

Bartz was born in Plymouth, Wis. She entered the order in 1966 from Beaumont, Texas, and professed final vows in 1974. She had ministered in Massachusetts, Louisiana and in several communities around New Mexico before ending up at St. Berard in 1999.

Lamb said those at the parish were shaken up about her death.

There is usually another sister who lives at the residence with Bartz, but she was out of state at a meeting and Bartz was alone.

Sister Patricia Suchalski, president of the 118-year-old Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, said Bartz was a woman of deep faith, which gave her focus and energy.

Suchalski said she trained to be a sister with Bartz, who chose to work with oppressed black and Native American people.

"She was a woman from the very beginning who was very zealous. Big smile and had a great, great love of God," Suchalski said. "Her love of God was proven in action."

Suchalski said she is traveling to New Mexico to attend Bartz's funeral and meet with the other sisters in the order.

A rosary will be held at St. Michael Indian School student chapel in St. Michael's, Ariz., on Friday. The funeral Mass will be Saturday at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup.

[Mere]

AMERICA
AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Sr. Marguerite Bartz, always dedicated to justice and peace, found dead in her convent
Saint Berard (Agenzia Fides) – The lifeless body of 64-year-old Sister Marguerite Bartz, of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (SBS), who work with Native Americans and African Americans, headquartered in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, was found in her Convent of Saint Berard, in the Navajo area of New Mexico, on Sunday, November 1. When the religious did not appear for Sunday Mass, a collaborator went in search for her and came upon her body. According to the FBI, which is investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, the Sister was killed on the night of Saturday, October 31 – Sunday, November 1. The Diocese of Gallup, for the time being, has not commented on the tragic event, as it is awaiting the results of the investigation. The religious sister was known for her great dedication to justice and peace.
Sister Marguerite was born in Plymouth, Wisconsin in 1945. She entered the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (SBS) in 1966 in Beaumont, Texas and took her perpetual vows in 1974. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Xavier University in New Orleans and a Masters in Religious Education from Loyola University in New Orleans. For over 40 years, Sister Marguerite worked in apostolates in various places: Dorchester, Massachusetts; Lawtell, Louisiana; Guadalupe Indian Mission a Peña Blanca, New Mexico; Saint Joseph in Laguna, New Mexico; Santa Caterina Indian School a Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since 1999, she was at St. Berard's in Navajo, New Mexico. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (SBS) was founded 118 years ago by St. Katherine Drexel (1858-1955), with the mission of spreading the Gospel and Eucharistic life among Native Americans and African Americans. 16 Sisters minister in the Diocese of Gallup. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 03/11/2009)

http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25305&lan=eng

[trimmonthelake]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hoFWqoV009yMvPxnk2m_OIH6p5AwD9BP0QF00
Murdered nun like 'mom' to parishioner

By HEATHER CLARK (AP) – 14 minutes ago

NAVAJO, N.M. — Sister Marguerite Bartz had worried just weeks ago about crime in the community after someone broke into the St. Berard Mission Church and stole bingo money.

Then she herself fell victim to a horrible crime.

The beloved nun was murdered in her residence on church property, a killing that has rattled this impoverished town on the Navajo Indian Reservation and left parishioners in mourning.

"She was like a mom to me," said resident Arlene Deche. "It was so sad to hear what happened to her."

When Bartz, 64, failed to show up as scheduled for Sunday Mass in the neighboring community of Sawmill, a person who hasn't been identified was sent to check on her welfare.

The church property sits along a highway against a scenic backdrop of red rock cliffs near the New Mexico-Arizona border. Her death turned tragedy loose on a town long beset by economic hard times, with its boarded-up, graffiti-scarred houses and weed-strewn playground.

Parishioners sobbed and hugged in the church parking lot as Bartz's roommate, who would only identify herself as Sister Magdalena, returned Wednesday to the residence they shared.

Sister Magdalena was in New Jersey when the crime happened. She said she now plans to move to the larger town of Fort Defiance, Ariz., 15 miles south of Navajo.
She did a lot of counseling with people that were having difficulties," Magdalena said. "It's hard for anybody to understand the depth of what she did. She wanted so much to empower the people. She wanted them to know how good they were."

The FBI is investigating Bartz's death. Spokesman Darrin Jones said Wednesday a quick arrest is not likely but investigators received preliminary autopsy results that showed Bartz "sustained a substantial amount of trauma, likely as a result of a violent confrontation" with her killer or killers.

Jones said agents are withholding the specific cause of death while the investigation continues. However, he said there was no evidence to suggest Bartz was sexually assaulted or that she was targeted because she was a nun or for religious reasons.

A mini-SUV Bartz had used was transported to Albuquerque for processing by investigators. It arrived with a sheet draped over the driver's side, covering the window.

The FBI has declined to provide any motive for Bartz's murder or to say how she was killed, but said the murder apparently happened Halloween night or early Sunday. Autopsy results were pending.

Parishioners Deche and Mary Petersen said Bartz had served Navajo and the surrounding communities for a decade and had success converting people through her work.

When they talked about Bartz, they spoke of her in the present tense.

"She makes me and my family feel really safe," Deche said.
Deche and others said Bartz prayed with them in their homes and traveled to the homes of elders on the remote reservation. She offered advice on raising children, ran bingo and religious education classes, played guitar and learned the Navajo language to sing Navajo songs.

She had a big smile.

"She seemed to be a person who got really close to people. She had a huge impact on people's lives and really reached out to families in need among the people she served," said Lee Lamb, spokesman for the Diocese of Gallup.

Mary Petersen of Navajo said she was worried about two women living alone with no dogs or a man to protect them.

Rough economic times started here more than two decades ago with the closure of a sawmill that had employed up to 400 people. While many stayed in Navajo — the population is roughly 1,500 residents — jobs are scarce and many villagers are poor.

The streets have potholes and abandoned houses are covered with black graffiti.

About five years ago, the local recreation hall shut down, said Raymond Howard of Navajo. A playground and basketball court are overgrown with weeds. Residents worry there's not enough to keep teenagers busy.

Petersen worried that other religious workers might stay away from the town, but Deche said she takes comfort in knowing that Bartz's spirit will look over the little church.

"In spirit, she's here. She's not going to leave us. She's not going to abandon us. She's going to lead us on," Deche said.

[trimmonthelake]

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_navajo_arrest_made_in_nuns_death_200911050954
Arrest made in nun's death

Updated: Thursday, 05 Nov 2009, 10:22 AM MST
Published : Thursday, 05 Nov 2009, 9:54 AM MST

    * Web Producer: Todd Dukart

NAVAJO, N.M. (KRQE) - The FBI says one person has been arrested in the death of a nun on the Navajo reservation.

The arrest was made early Thursday morning in the town of Navajo.

FBI spokesperson Darrin Jones did not release any further details on the arrest, but said he plans to release more information early Thursday afternoon.

Sister Marguerite Bartz was found dead in her home in Navajo on Sunday after she failed to show up for Mass. Her car was later found in eastern Arizona.

The Diocese of Gallup said Thursday it will make a statement on the arrest after the FBI releases more information.

This page will be updated with further details as they become available.

[Nut44x4]

FBI refuses to talk about arrest in NM nun slaying
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN (AP) – 1 hour ago

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Federal and tribal law enforcement agents descended on a small community on the Navajo Indian reservation early Thursday to make an arrest as part of their investigation into the slaying of a nun whose body was found in her home on church property.

The FBI said agents arrested one person in Navajo, but refused to say how that person might be connected to the death of 64-year-old Sister Marguerite Bartz. The nun's body was discovered after she didn't show up as scheduled for Sunday Mass in a neighboring community.

FBI spokesman Darrin Jones would not say why federal investigators were not releasing any information about the arrest, and Samson Cowboy, the head of the Navajo Nation's public safety department, also declined to comment, saying only: "It's a very sensitive issue."

The FBI did confirm that the person arrested Thursday morning would remain in custody for the night.

News of an arrest has resulted in some relief for the community in northwestern New Mexico, said Lee Lamb, a spokesman for the Diocese of Gallup, which oversees the St. Berard parish in Navajo where Bartz lived.

"I'm sure that community hasn't been sleeping well for many nights. I think with this arrest they're going to have a better night's sleep tonight and feel a little safer in their homes," Lamb said.

Lamb said with the arrest, the community as well as the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament — the order to which Bartz belonged — can focus on the nun's funeral, the grieving process and the celebration of her life.

Investigators also remained tightlipped about details of the crime, but said preliminary autopsy results show Bartz sustained substantial trauma, likely as a result of a violent confrontation with her killer or killers.

Jones said agents were withholding the specific cause of death while the investigation continues. However, he said there was no evidence to suggest Bartz was sexually assaulted or that she was targeted because she was a nun or for religious reasons.

Diocese officials said the community has questions about whether the crime could have been the result of a robbery, if it was gang-related or possibly connected to a break-in at the parish last month.

FBI investigators have combed Bartz's home for evidence and a mini-SUV she had used was transported to Albuquerque for processing by investigators. It arrived Wednesday with a sheet draped over the driver's side, covering the window. The FBI has said Bartz's murder apparently happened Halloween night or early Sunday.

Parishioners said Bartz served Navajo and the surrounding communities for a decade and had success converting people through her work.

When they talked about Bartz on Wednesday, they spoke of her in the present tense.

"She makes me and my family feel really safe," Arlene Deche said.

Deche and others said Bartz prayed with them in their homes and traveled to the homes of elders on the remote reservation. She offered advice on raising children, ran bingo and religious education classes, played guitar and learned the Navajo language to sing Navajo songs.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gwIoE6B_7oh3cf_twEbpZPzy7WkwD9BPLT382

[Nut44x4]

Teen charged with killing nun in Navajo, NM
By HEATHER CLARK (AP) – 1 hour ago

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A teenager has been charged by federal authorities with killing a nun whose body was found in her Navajo Nation home earlier this week.

Federal court documents show 19-year-old Reehahlio Carroll of Navajo, N.M. was charged with "the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought."

FBI spokesman Darrin Jones confirmed Carroll is accused of killing 64-year-old Sister Marguerite Bartz. She served at St. Berard Catholic Church in the tiny town on the Navajo reservation.

Carroll was arrested Thursday and charged under Navajo law with the unauthorized use of a car that was reported stolen a day earlier.

Navajo police Capt. Ivan Tsosie says the car had belonged to Bartz.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gwIoE6B_7oh3cf_twEbpZPzy7WkwD9BQ9A980

[Nut44x4]

November 9, 2009 at 8:05 PM
NM teen back in jail after failed suicide attempt

A New Mexico teenager suspected of killing a nun on the Navajo Indian reservation reportedly tried to commit suicide over the weekend.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
A New Mexico teenager suspected of killing a nun on the Navajo Indian reservation reportedly tried to commit suicide over the weekend.

Albuquerque television station KRQE reported Monday that 18-year-old Reehahlio Carroll tried to kill himself in the Window Rock, Ariz., jail on Friday, the day after he was arrested in the case.

Carroll reportedly was treated at a Fort Defiance hospital and then returned to his cell and put on suicide watch Saturday.

Federal authorities have accused Carroll in the death of 64-year-old Sister Marguerite Bartz, who served at St. Berard Catholic Church in Navajo, N.M.

Bartz's body was discovered in a pool of blood Nov. 1 by another nun, who went to check on her after she failed to show up for Mass.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010239044_apusslainnun.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NM teen pleads not guilty in Navajo nun's murder

December 10, 2009 - 7:42pm

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A New Mexico prosecutor's spokesman says an 18-year-old man accused of killing a nun on the Navajo reservation pleaded not guilty Thursday to first-degree murder and burglary charges.

U.S. Attorney spokesman Norm Cairns says Reehahlio Carroll of Navajo appeared in federal court in Albuquerque.

Carroll entered pleas to the murder and burglary charges, but Cairns says the judge entered a not guilty plea for Carroll on a charge of transporting a stolen vehicle in interstate commerce.

His defense attorney did not return a message seeking comment.

Carroll is accused of killing 64-year-old Sister Marguerite Bartz while burglarizing her home in Navajo. She was found dead Nov. 1.

Authorities say Carroll took a mini-SUV used by Bartz. It was recovered in Arizona.


(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A New Mexico prosecutor's spokesman says an 18-year-old man accused of killing a nun on the Navajo reservation pleaded not guilty Thursday to first-degree murder and burglary charges.

U.S. Attorney spokesman Norm Cairns says Reehahlio Carroll of Navajo appeared in federal court in Albuquerque.

Carroll entered pleas to the murder and burglary charges, but Cairns says the judge entered a not guilty plea for Carroll on a charge of transporting a stolen vehicle in interstate commerce.

His defense attorney did not return a message seeking comment.

Carroll is accused of killing 64-year-old Sister Marguerite Bartz while burglarizing her home in Navajo. She was found dead Nov. 1.

Authorities say Carroll took a mini-SUV used by Bartz. It was recovered in Arizona.

http://wtop.com/?nid=104&sid=1837084

[Nut44x4]

Accused nun killer found competent

Reehahlio Carroll set to stand trial for murder

Updated: Thursday, 02 Jun 2011, 11:53 AM MDT
 Reporter: Jeff Todd

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - After nearly two years of waiting, the fellow nuns at the Navajo convent now know Reehahlio Carroll will stand trial for the death of Sister Margaurite Bartz.
 
She was bludgeoned to death in her room at the convent in the town of Navajo on Halloween night 2009.  Investigators say Carroll was burglarizing her home for money to buy drugs and alcohol when Sister Bartz woke up and confronted him.
 
Carroll has undergone nearly one year of mental evaluations, and on Wednesday a team of psychologists from a federal medical prison in Missouri said they believe Carroll is capable of standing trial.
snipped......
http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/accused-nun-killer-found-competent

[Nut44x4]

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/religion-not-factor-in-nun-murder-case

Religion not factor in nun murder case

Defense: religious references excluded in trial

Updated: Friday, 18 May 2012, 10:21 AM MDT
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Reehahlio Carroll, 20, will stand trial next month in the 2009 murder of Sister Marguerite Bartz on the Navajo nation, but there is one thing his defense doesn't want jurors to know about the alleged victim - her faith.

Defense attorney Robert Gorence filed a motion in federal court, requesting that any references or objects to religion or to the fact that Sister Bartz was a nun should be excluded from the case.
 ::snipping2::

If convicted, Carroll faces life in prison without parole. Since the murder took place on tribal land, federal authorities let the Navajo nation decide if Carroll should be eligible for the death penalty. The Navajo nation decided against that option.


Will see if I can find more from June

[Nut44x4]

Jury selection begins in nun murder case

CSI | June 6, 2012

http://blog.congregationalsecurityinc.com/tag/native-sovereign-nation/

[Sister]

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/religion-not-factor-in-nun-murder-case

Religion not factor in nun murder case

Defense: religious references excluded in trial

Updated: Friday, 18 May 2012, 10:21 AM MDT
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Reehahlio Carroll, 20, will stand trial next month in the 2009 murder of Sister Marguerite Bartz on the Navajo nation, but there is one thing his defense doesn't want jurors to know about the alleged victim - her faith.

Defense attorney Robert Gorence filed a motion in federal court, requesting that any references or objects to religion or to the fact that Sister Bartz was a nun should be excluded from the case.
 ::snipping2::

If convicted, Carroll faces life in prison without parole. Since the murder took place on tribal land, federal authorities let the Navajo nation decide if Carroll should be eligible for the death penalty. The Navajo nation decided against that option.


Will see if I can find more from June

That is utterly ridiculous -- her faith was part and parcel of who she was -- give me a break.

[Sister]

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/religion-not-factor-in-nun-murder-case

Religion not factor in nun murder case

Defense: religious references excluded in trial

Updated: Friday, 18 May 2012, 10:21 AM MDT
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Reehahlio Carroll, 20, will stand trial next month in the 2009 murder of Sister Marguerite Bartz on the Navajo nation, but there is one thing his defense doesn't want jurors to know about the alleged victim - her faith.

Defense attorney Robert Gorence filed a motion in federal court, requesting that any references or objects to religion or to the fact that Sister Bartz was a nun should be excluded from the case.
 ::snipping2::

If convicted, Carroll faces life in prison without parole. Since the murder took place on tribal land, federal authorities let the Navajo nation decide if Carroll should be eligible for the death penalty. The Navajo nation decided against that option.

Will see if I can find more from June

BBM