Hearing finds priest probably killed funeral director, intern

Published: 2005-10-12

HUDSON, Wis. (CNS) -- Parishioners are still struggling with their emotions after a hearing found probable cause that Father Ryan Erickson, a Superior diocesan priest who was then serving at St. Patrick Parish in Hudson, killed two funeral home employees in 2002. After being questioned by police about the deaths, Father Erickson, 31, hanged himself last December at the parish to which he had been transferred, St. Mary of the Seven Dolors in Hurley. Many parishioners said they were still coming to grips with how a priest could commit such a crime -- the murders of funeral home director Dan O'Connell, 39, and intern James Ellingson of Barron, 22 -- and then take his own life. "I conclude that Ryan Erickson probably committed the crimes in question," said Judge Eric Lundell. Although acknowledging the evidence was circumstantial, he said it was still very strong. "On a scale of 1 to 10, I would consider it a 10." Hudson police said the investigation is considered closed. In a statement about the Erickson case, Superior Bishop Raphael M. Fliss said Oct. 6: "In my role as bishop I know that ultimate responsibility for much of what has taken place rests on my shoulders."

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