Eureka Priest Found Murdered, Suspect In Custody

(KIEM) A murder investigation is underway in Eureka, California as the community learns about the death of Rev. Eric Freed of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Eureka’s Police Chief Any Mills said they were dispatched to the Rectory around 9 a.m. Wednesday morning after church staff found Rev. Freed deceased inside of the rectory.

Officers would not confirm whom church staff found inside, but City of Eureka Mayor Frank Jager said it was Rev. Eric Freed, who’s been an influential part of the community for the past three years.

“Everybody knows it was Father Eric, and Father Eric was a friend of mine. He was a tremendous person in this community,” said Mayor Jager.

A man who Mayor Jager said was heavy involved in the Japanese community.

KIEM is now reporting that a suspect that had been named is now in custody. Eureka Police put out an arrest warrant for Gary Lee Bullock. Bullock was arrested Thursday morning in Southern Humboldt county and transferred into Eureka Police custody.