A man is facing attempted second-degree murder, hate crimes, and other charges after police say he attacked a Catholic priest with a machete.
That incident happened Thursday night at the St. John the Evangelist Church rectory in the St. Landry Parish town of Melville. According to Melville police chief Phillip Lucas, the suspect, Johnny Neely, approached the priest and asked him if he would perform work in exchange for food. Lucas says the priest declined that request. That's when, according to Lucas, the suspect attacked the priest, leaving him with cuts on his head and body.
Lucas says a comment that Neely made led to the hate crimes charge.
"The statement that was made and his intent when he went out there, he stated that he was going to cut off a Black man's head today," Lucas said.
Diocese of Lafayette officials identified the priest as Father Stephen Ugwu, a native of Nigeria who is stationed at the Melville church. According to Diocese of Lafayette communications director Blue Rolfes, Ugwu is stable in a local hospital.
"We are in contact with him," Rolfes said. "Several of our leadership team have visited him in the hospital, and he is conscious and helping the police department in their investigation.
"Our main focus is on Father Ugwu and making sure he's getting the care and that everyone is putting his safety and recovery at the forefront," Rolfes added. "We ask that you keep Father Stephen in your prayers."
