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In this photo provided by The Catholic Sun, date not known, the Rev. Kenneth Walker, left, and the Rev. Joseph Terra perform a Mass in Phoenix.

(AP)

The Phoenix, Arizona, priest was allegedly attacked by a burglar at his Catholic church after he went to investigate noises in the courtyard. The Rev. Joseph Terra made it back to his bedroom at the Mother of Mercy Mission rectory.

There, the father retrieved his .357-caliber gun, but he was unable to fire before the attacker grabbed it, according to a detailed account by the Associated Press, citing court records.

Gary Michael Moran, 54

The suspect, identified as Gary Michael Moran, 54, allegedly forced the priest to his knees and demanded money. Father Terra said he then blacked out. When he awoke, the tragedy had been compounded by the priest's own handgun.

Suspect Moran allegedly used Father Terra's gun to shoot a second priest at the rectory, identified as the Rev. Kenneth Walker, AP reported. Walker died later that Wednesday night. Terra, who was able to give Walker last rites after the assault, remained hospitalized on Monday.

Moran is described as an ex-convict with a history of violence and drug abuse. He was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of first-degree murder, burglary, and armed robbery, among other charges, AP reported.

Background according to AP: Moran stole a camera from the priests and fled in Walker's car, which was found abandoned a few blocks away from the church, authorities said.

Police Chief Daniel Garcia called the attack "a vicious, tragic, horrifying offense" committed by a criminal who was just released from prison in April.

Moran had served about eight years on charges that included aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

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