Some disturbing new details in Thursday's reported homicide inside a car on the side of Interstate 94 in St. Paul.
Authorities say 32-year old Nathan Wondra is charged with 2nd degree murder in the killing of 76-year old Lawrence Johnson, a retired priest from St. Paul.
According to the criminal complaint, Wondra told police he heard voices in his head while Johnson was taking him to Regions Hospital for a mental health evaluation, and then strangled Johnson with his hands while the car was parked on the side of the interstate near Prior Avenue.
Wondra said the voices told him to kill Johnson to save humanity.
He also told police Johnson was like a father figure to him and they would have lunch on a regular basis.
He said he had spent Wednesday night at Johnson's apartment and the two had gone to Mass in the apartment chapel Thursday morning.
"It is very unusual," said St. Paul police sergeant Mike Ernster. "Some pieces in my 30 years (on the SPPD force) I have not seen."
Police say this is the 16th reported homicide of the year in St. Paul.