Convicted child sex abuse priest killed

Published: Aug. 24, 2003 at 12:34 PM

SHIRLEY, Mass., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- A Boston Roman Catholic priest, convicted of child sex abuse, is dead after being strangled by a fellow inmate at a Massachusetts prison in Shirley, CNN reports.

Officials said John Geoghan died Saturday after being attacked around noon. He was taken by ambulance to nearby Leominster Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Worcester District Attorney John J. Conte said 37-year-old Joseph L. Druce will be charged with his murder. Druce was serving a life term at the correction facility where Geoghan was apparently strangled.

"Upon hearing the news of the tragic death of John Geoghan, the Archdiocese of Boston offers prayers for the repose of John's soul and extends its prayers and consolation to his beloved sister Kathy at this time of personal loss," said Father Christopher Coyne, a spokesman for the Boston Archdiocese.

Last September, the Boston Archdiocese paid $10 million to settle a suit by 86 plaintiffs who said Geoghan sexually assaulted them.

Topics: John Geoghan, John J.

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Convicted child sex abuse priest killed