FBI investigates nun's death on Navajo reservation

Posted at: 11/02/2009 2:29 PM | Updated at: 11/03/2009 7:26 AM
By: KOB.com

NAVAJO, N.M. (AP) - A 64-year-old nun has been found dead in her residence at St. Berard Mission Church on the Navajo Indian reservation, and authorities believe she was murdered.

The FBI says Sister Marguerite Bartz failed to show up to Sunday Mass so a colleague went to check on her and found her body.

Bartz was a member of the Sisters of Blessed Sacrament order based in Bethlahem, Pennsylvania, according to a statement released by the Diocese of Gallup.

Her vehicle, a beige 2005 Honda CR-V, is missing. It has a New Jersey license plate, NF24821.

The FBI and state police are combing Bartz's residence for evidence, and an autopsy is planned.

FBI Special Agent Darrin Jones would not say how Bartz died.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who talked with Bartz on Halloween night or anyone who believes they may have information related to the case.

Jones says any detail, however small, could help.

The diocese said during her time as a Sister of Blessed Sacrament, she spent time in Dorchester, Massachusetts; Lawtell, Louisiana; Guadalupe Indian Mission in Pea Blanca, New Mexico; Saint Joseph in Laguna, New Mexico; Saint Catherine Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Saint Berards.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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