Minnesota Priest Strangled on Highway: Killer Claims ‘Voices’ Ordered the Attack!
Minnesota priest was brutally strangled on I-94 in St. Paul by a man he was helping, who chillingly confessed he was driven by ‘voices’. 🌐 #News #Minnesota #StPaulMN #Crime
ST. PAUL, MN – In a heartbreaking and disturbing incident on Thursday, a Catholic priest was strangled on the side of I-94 in St. Paul, Minnesota by a man he was trying to help. His court appearance is today.
This shocking event serves as a stark reminder that even in our darkest moments, we must hold onto faith and the belief that God’s light can shine through the most unimaginable circumstances.
A Shocking Turn of Events
The victim, 76-year-old Father Lawrence Johnson, was a retired priest who had devoted his life to serving others. On that fateful day, around 12:40 p.m., he was driving Nathan Thomas Wondra, a 32-year-old man from St. Paul, to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.
But what started as a compassionate act ended in horror when Wondra, plagued by disturbing voices and visions, attacked the very person trying to save him.
The Attack on the Highway
Law enforcement responded to the scene near Prior Avenue after Wondra himself called 911, confessing to the heinous act. He admitted to having a “psychotic break” and said that voices in his head told him to strangle Father Johnson.
When authorities arrived, they found Wondra near the scene with blood on his wrist and shirt.
Inside the car, a large Bible was discovered on the passenger side—a haunting reminder of the faith that Father Johnson carried with him until his final moments.
A Tragic Confession
During a police interview, Wondra chillingly described the attack. He told investigators that Father Johnson was like a father figure to him, someone he deeply respected.
The two had met at Wondra’s workplace the previous year and had maintained a friendly relationship, even attending mass together at Father Johnson’s apartment chapel that very morning.
But the voices Wondra claimed to hear told him that Father Johnson needed to be a martyr “for something bigger.”
According to the criminal complaint, Wondra asked Father Johnson to pull over on the side of the highway. In a moment of madness, he strangled the priest first with his hands and then with his arm around the priest’s neck.
Wondra confessed that he checked Father Johnson’s pulse multiple times during the attack and only stopped when the voices in his head fell silent. In a final act of clarity, Wondra called 911, claiming it was the “right thing to do.”
A Community in Mourning
The news of Father Johnson’s tragic death sent shockwaves through the community. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis confirmed his identity and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Archbishop Bernard Hebda urged the faithful to pray for the repose of Father Johnson’s soul and for those affected by this senseless act of violence.
Father Johnson had retired in 2009 due to health issues after serving in various parishes across Minnesota, including Bloomington, Minneapolis, and New Prague.
He was known for his dedication to his parishioners and his unwavering faith, making his violent death all the more difficult to comprehend.
The Aftermath
Wondra, now charged with second-degree murder, awaits his court appearance set for Monday, August 5.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the mental state of the suspect and the circumstances that led to this tragedy. Wondra’s father, who lived with him, mentioned that his son had not been feeling well recently but did not notice any significant changes in his behavior.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner confirmed that Father Johnson died from strangulation, officially ruling the case a homicide.
A Call for Reflection
In moments like these, it’s important to reflect on the fragility of life and the power of faith. Father Johnson’s death is a devastating loss, but his life of service and dedication to others stands as a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness.
As we grapple with this tragedy, let us remember to hold our loved ones close and to seek solace in our faith, trusting that God’s love will guide us through even the most challenging times.
Reminder: All parties are considered innocent before proven guilty.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
