Authorities have confirmed the identity of a body found in Willicay County, Texas last week as 71-year-old retired Massachusetts priest William “Bill” Costello, formerly of the Fall River Diocese.

The Valley Morning Star reports that Costello, whose body was found buried in a remote area near Santa Monica, Texas, was last seen alive at the Tiki Condominiums on South Padre Island on August 1.  His body was discovered by authorities on August 17.

Texas Rangers arrested 27-year-old Juan Carlos Baez Escobedo on Wednesday for the murder of 71-year-old William “Bill” Costello.  On Friday, Judge Juan Salinas ordered Escobedo to be held at the Willacy County Jail on $2 million bail.

Costello was ordained as a priest for the Fall River Diocese in 1974. The diocese says Costello moved to Texas nearly three years ago.

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