By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Sister Karen Klimczak, the Catholic nun who ministered to released prison inmates, was apparently murdered by one of the men she cared for. Her body was discovered early Monday night. Her accused killer is under arrest.
Sister Karen was reported missing on Saturday. She was last seen the night before after attending Good Friday services.
Following an intensive investigation, Buffalo police say they were led to Craig Lynch, a resident of Bissonette House -- a home for released prison inmates that Sister Karen ran -- and placed him under arrest for her murder. Detective Sergeant Jim Lonergan says right now it appears Sister Karen was killed when she surprised Lynch in her room during an apparent theft.
"He's in her room committing a crime. He hears her coming. He hides and grabs her from behind. He's claiming he did not mean to kill her. However, he did," said Lonergan.
Following the murder, Lonergan says Lynch allegedly disposed of Sister Karen's body on George Street, off Jefferson Avenue between Sycamore and Broadway.
Authorities say Lynch was staying at the Bissonette House following his release from the Wyoming County Correctional Facility in January. He had served time for vehicle theft.
Mayor Byron Brown, who joined police officials at an early evening news conference, said Sr. Karen is irreplaceable.
"She gave tirelessly. She was someone who loved the community, and she was very much loved by the community," Brown said. "She worked everyday to bring peace to the community. So, this is a sad and tragic day."
The past few days have been especially violent in Buffalo. In addition to Sr. Karen's murder, a popular restaurant owner was shot and killed Friday. And early Monday, two people were killed by gunfire on the West Side.
Brown said he's concerned about the violence. But he said it won't be tolerated, and that city police will continue working around the clock to stop it.