Crime & Safety

Search Continues For Retired Falmouth Priest After Body Found

Officials have charged a man with murder but have not formally identified the body found in Santa Monica, TX.

FALMOUTH, MA – Officials in Texas are still investigating the disappearance of William Costello, a 71-year-old retired Falmouth priest who was reported missing from South Padre Island Aug. 1. Authorities have charged 27-year-old Juan Carlos Baez Escobedo with murder in connection with a body found in Santa Monica, TX, which is about 60 miles away from where Costello was last seen.

The remains found in Santa Monica have not yet been formally identified, and a City of South Padre Island spokesperson told the Cape Cod Times Costello's disappearance remains under investigation.

Costello served as pastor of St. Anthony's Parish from 1999-2011 before retiring and moving to Texas about three or four years ago, Diocese of Fall River spokesman John Kearns told southcoasttoday. Kearns said the circumstances surrounding the body are "very disturbing" and the parish is waiting for more information.

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Police said Costello was likely with his dog when he went missing from a South Padre Island condominium complex Aug. 1.

Image via South Padre Island Police Department

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