Rev. Eric Freed - Beloved California priest found murdered, here's what we know

There's not a lot of information following the sudden and violent death of a California priest who has been described as very popular and widely loved in a Northern California community.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - A priest has died under sudden and mysterious circumstances in Eureka, California. Rev. Eric Freed is being described as a popular local priest who has been living and working in the community for three years.

Freed also taught religious studies at nearby Humboldt University.

According to authorities, Freed was found dead Wednesday morning after he failed to show up for morning Mass.

Police say they are treating the case as a homicide investigation however, the circumstances of the homicide have not been released. No suspects have been announced. Authorities say Freed was probably killed following the Tuesday evening Mass at which he officiated.

The community of Eureka is in shock. The Mayor offered his condolences and described Freed as a friend and a "tremendous person in this community," Other people described him as gentle, kindly, and sensitive.

As a professor at Humboldt University, Freed was also involved in the school's Newman center where students say he was widely beloved and well regarded by all.

Police say they are still looking for Freed's vehicle, a 2010 Nissan Altima, which they say is missing and will likely provide clues to what happened.

For now, the community mourns the untimely death of a beloved pastor and asks why.

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