Catholic friar accused of abuse kills self

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HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa., Jan. 29 (UPI) -- A Catholic brother accused of serial child molestation killed himself in Pennsylvania and left an apology for his actions in a suicide note, police said.

Brother Stephen Baker had been charged with sexually abusing dozens of children ages 14 to 17 while he was a teacher and athletic trainer at John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, Ohio, and at Bishop McCourt Catholic High School in Johnstown, Pa.

Blair County Coroner Patty Ross said the suicide note, found Saturday alongside Baker's body in his room at a monastery in Hollidaysburg, Pa., was not addressed to anyone in particular. Baker died of a single stab wound to the heart.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed by Baker's alleged victims, though he had not been criminally charged, The Altoona (Pa.) Mirror said Tuesday.