Competency evaluation sought for man charged in murder of Seneca priest
10/15/2025

Gary Hermesch/Credit: Nemaha Co Sheriff's Office

(KMZA)--A competency evaluation is sought for a Oklahoma man charged in the fatal shooting of a Seneca priest in April.

According to court documents, the attorney for 66-year-old Gary Hermesch filed a motion Tuesday seeking the evaluation.

A status hearing in the case was set Tuesday.

Hermesch is charged in Nemaha County District Court with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Father Arul Carasala.

Authorities say Carasala was shot outside the Sts. Peter and Paul Church rectory in Seneca on April 3rd.

He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

Hermesch is being held in the Jackson County Jail as a courtesy to Nemaha County. His bond remains set at $1 million.


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