Almost 40 years later, local murder of priest still unsolved

The murder of a catholic priest in Yuma has been unsolved for close to 37 years.

The Yuma Police Department ( YPD ) said Catholic Priest Benjamin Carrier from San Diego was found dead inside the El Rancho Motel on November 10, 1982.

Officers said a maid found him cold to the touch and with his arms tied behind his back.

The priest was suffocated to death.

He was found with no wallet and his truck had also gone missing, according to YPD .

“His vehicle was found two days later up in Las Vegas. Our detectives went up there and processed the vehicle for evidence,” said Sergeant Lori Franklin.

YPD explained Father Carrier was last seen with two men, and authorities questioned several people in relation to the murder but justice remained unserved.

Just days after the murder, a staff writer for the San Diego Union Tribute wrote that the priest had a history of being kidnapped by hitchhikers and once had a knife held to his neck.

The Yuma Police Department asks if you know anything about this brutal unsolved murder to call them at (928) 373-4784 or to stay anonymous call 78-CRIME.