Alexandria-based Priest Found Dead in Hotel Room Was Subject of Investigation

The Town Talk
June 10, 2013

http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20130610/NEWS01/130610005/Alexandria-based-priest-found-dead-hotel-room-subject-investigation?nclick_check=1

A 48-year-old priest with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria was found dead Friday in a room at a local hotel, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

Police identified the man as Jamie Medina-Cruz. He was found in the Value Place Motel, 1000 MacArthur Drive.

Police, who were responding to a call about a welfare concern, said there were no signs of a crime at the scene.

Autopsy and toxicology tests will be performed.

Medina-Cruz was a pastor of St. Mary's Assumption Catholic Church in Cottonport and an assistant pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marksville.

Jamie Medina-Cruz was found dead Friday in the Value Place Motel, 1000 MacArthur Drive, Alexandria. Medina-Cruz, a priest, had been placed on administrative leave at St. Mary's Assumption Catholic Church on March 12 after being accused of improper conduct with a minor. He was relieved of his duties by the Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria, pending an investigation by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office. No charges had been filed. / Diocese of Alexandria

Medina-Cruz was placed on administrative leave at St. Mary's on March 12 after being accused of improper conduct with a minor. He was relieved of his duties by the Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, bishop of the diocese, pending an investigation by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office. No charges had been filed.

Medina-Cruz, a native of Puerto Rico, was ordained May 29, 1999, according to the Diocese of Alexandria. His assignments included churches in Alexandria, Cottonport, Ferriday, Marksville and Natchitoches.

In a posting on the diocese website, S. Scott Chemino, vicar general of the diocese, said: “We are still grieving over this and making our way for all that must be done. Please, let us keep him and so many in our prayers.”

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Kramer and Sons Funeral Home. A memorial Mass will be celebrated.