Two Nuns Found Killed In Their Home In Mississippi

Paula Merrill, one of two nuns found dead in Mississippi.

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth / Via scnfamily.org

Two nuns were found killed Thursday morning in their home in Durant, Mississippi, a small community where the two ministered at a local clinic.

The two women were found when workers at the clinic called police when they did not show up Thursday morning, the Catholic Diocese of Jackson confirmed in a statement.

"These sisters have spent years of dedicated service here in Mississippi," Bishop Joseph Kopacz said.

The diocese identified the nuns as Sister Paula Merrill of the Sisters of Charity, in Kentucky, and Sister Margaret Held of the School of Sisters of St. Francis in Milwaukee.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth also confirmed their identities.

"We have little information at this time," the organization said in a statement. "As a community, we have come together in prayer."

It was not clear how the women died, but Durant Assistant Police Chief James Lee told the Associated Press they did not appear to be shot.

Maureen Smith, a spokeswoman for the diocese, also told the AP there were signs of a break-in at the home and their vehicle was missing.

The two were nurse practitioners in Holmes County, where they worked with families who are struggling financially.

"They served the poor so well," Susan Gatz, president of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth said. "Because we are gospel women, please also pray for the perpetrators."

Durant Police officials and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, who are both investigating the case, did not immediately return BuzzFeed News attempt to comment.

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