Photo- Gary Hermesch/Credit: Nemaha Co Sheriff's Office 

 

(KMZA)--An Oklahoma man accused of killing a Seneca priest in April will undergo an evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial. 

Following a hearing Friday in Nemaha County District Court, District Judge John Weingart issued an order granting a motion filed by the attorney for 66-year-old Gary Hermesch for the evaluation.

The evaluation is to be conducted by the KANZA Mental Health and Guidance Center, in Hiawatha.

If further evaluation is requested by KANZA Mental Health, Hermesch is to be transported to the Larned State Hospital for a period of time not to exceed 60 days. 

The case has been placed on hold pending the outcome of the evaluation.  

Hermesch is charged 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.  He remains held on a $1 million bond.