The body of father Ícmar Arturo Orta was found on October 13, 2018, two days after his disappearance., according to Fides News Agency.
This was announced by the Archbishop of Tijuana, Mgr. Francisco Moreno Barron: «With deep sorrow, I communicate to the priests and deacons of the Presbytery of Tijuana, the death of dear Father Ícmar Arturo Orta.
«Today (October 14) we will communicate this information to his parish community of San Luis Rey de Francia. Investigations are underway to find out the causes of his death. As soon as I have reliable information, I will let you know and inform you about the funeral».
Father Orta had been missing since Thursday 11 October, after having celebrated mass in the Colonia Obrera area. According to information gathered by Agenzia Fides, a first report from the police points out that the priest’s body was found with his hands and feet bound and with signs of violence on his body. On October 14, the archbishop wrote a message to the faithful of the parish of San Luis Rey de Francia to communicate the violent death of their parish priest: «To the pastoral parish Council, the group of catechists, groups, movements and to lay associations, to those who participate in the life of the parish church: to children, adolescents, young people and adults and in a very special way to the elderly and the sick: Dear brothers with deep sorrow, I inform you that God has called to his presence your dear parish priest Ícmar Arturo Orta.»
