One of the two homicide victims found badly burned in historic Downtown Covington has been positively identified as Fr. Otis Young. NOLA.com reports the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office determined the victim's identity today.
The manner of death was ruled homicide, caused by both blunt and sharp trauma.
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DNA tests are underway on the second body found at the scene. St. Peter Catholic Church, where Young was pastor up until his retirement in 2020 after suffering a stroke, has not commented on speculation that the other victim is Ruth Prats, a pastoral associate.
Meanwhile, one man is in custody, facing murder and other charges in the crime. Police arrested Antonio Donde Tyson.
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Tyson has a history of violent crime convictions. In 1993, Tyson was sentenced to 40 years for forcible rape, 40 years for armed robbery, and 30 years for aggravated burglary.
According to WWL-TV, Tyson was allowed to serve the sentences concurrently, and by August 2022 had met the conditions to qualify for early release.