SW News: A Colombian Catholic priest was found dead inside the church where he was serving as assistant vicar. It was Fr Héctor Josúe Garza who was found dead in the Church of Santa María de Cañaveral in Floridablanca municipality on Wednesday, May 24.

Parishioners confirmed that the priest had been working with the parish for five years, located in the Cañaveral area. The area's residents have called for a thorough investigation into the priest's death, who was reportedly well-known in the area.

The parish vicar informed the authorities that Fr Garza didn't answer his cell phone since Sunday. For this reason, on May 24, the vicar brought a locksmith, and upon entering the church, the lifeless body of Fr Garza was found. The body was reportedly in a state of decomposition.

After arriving at the church, the investigators from the Police and the Prosecutor's Office announced the commencement of an investigation to determine the causes of his death. The authorities also said a sharp weapon and pistol were found at the scene beside the body of the priest. The faithful of Floridablanca expressed their dismay and pain at the news of the priest's death.

Attacks against priests are uncommon in the Latin American country. But, there are reports of priests being killed for criticizing leftist rebels in the country.