Although authorities in Texas have not confirmed the identity of remains discovered in the southern part of that state last week, the Fall River Catholic Diocese appears to have information indicating it is a former local priest.
A statement from the diocese this week says it was deeply saddened to learn that the body of retired priest William Costello was found near a cemetery in Santa Monica, about an hour from his home in South Padre Island. An arrest has been made in connection to the discovery of the remains.
Costello, who served at several Cape Cod churches and elsewhere in Massachusetts, was placed on administrative leave in 2012 following a notification from Rhode Island State Police that he was part of an investigation, but the diocese stressed that it did not involve the abuse of minors.