A small Kansas town is in mourning after a horrific and senseless act of violence claimed the life of a beloved Catholic priest. Father Arul Carasala, 57, was shot and killed Thursday afternoon at the rectory of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, Kansas—a tragedy that has left the parish and the broader community shaken.
The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. and reportedly unfolded just steps away from the church’s schoolyard, where children were out playing during recess. Witnesses say several students heard the gunshots, deepening the emotional trauma for families and parishioners alike.
Emergency responders arrived to find Father Carasala suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside the rectory. He was rushed to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital but died from his injuries shortly after arrival.
Authorities have charged 66-year-old Gary Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma, with first-degree murder. Originally from Seneca, Hermesch allegedly approached Father Carasala and shot him three times before voluntarily turning himself in to the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office—where his brother reportedly works as a dispatcher. Hermesch is currently being held on $1 million bond.
Father Carasala was a fixture of the Seneca community. Born in India and ordained in 1994, he moved to the United States and became a U.S. citizen in 2011—the same year he began serving the parish. Known for his humility, warmth, and unwavering faith, Carasala was deeply loved by parishioners and respected throughout the region.
His death has left a profound void in the town of roughly 2,100 residents. Parishioners describe him as more than a priest—he was a mentor, a friend, and a source of strength for families and students alike. “We are completely heartbroken,” said Lisa Kidd, a mother of two children who attend the church’s school. “This has shaken our entire community.”
Chase Jones, a local resident, echoed the shock. “It’s the kind of thing you think happens in other places, not here,” he said.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas released a statement expressing sorrow over the loss, calling the killing a “senseless act of violence” and assuring the public there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, though law enforcement has not indicated any ongoing danger or wider conspiracy. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues to process evidence and interview witnesses.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community has begun organizing vigils and prayer services in honor of Father Carasala’s life and legacy. Tributes continue to pour in from parishioners, students, and neighboring clergy who knew him as a man of great faith and humility.
As the town of Seneca tries to come to terms with its loss, one thing is clear: Father Arul Carasala’s life of service and compassion touched countless souls—and his absence will be deeply felt for years to come.