Hundreds gather for slain priest's funeral

HAMMOND, La. (AP) - Hundreds of people came to Holy Ghost Catholic Church on Saturday for the funeral Mass for the murdered 70-year-old priest who had led the church for the past six years.

Although people were shocked by the Rev. Edward Everitt's death - shot in the head at a retreat house in Mississippi, allegedly by a handyman who took his car and money for a Disney vacation - they focused Saturday on his life.

"Father Everitt was well loved and served with such fervor and he will always be remembered for the great gift of God that he brought through his priestly ministry and his sermon," said Bishop Robert Muench of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. "The loss that we feel is indescribable."

He loved classical music, cared about those less fortunate and had an infectious energy, people told WWL-TV.

"Father Ed encouraged others to get involved, to commit themselves in providing for the homeless and hungry," said the Rev. Christopher Eggleton, like Everitt a Dominican priest.

Everitt's body was found Monday at a beach retreat house in Waveland, Miss. Jeremy Wayne Manieri, 31, was arrested the next day in Polk County, Fla.

He has waived extradition, and Waveland Police Chief James Varnell said he hopes to bring him back by Wednesday so he can make a first appearance on a murder charge Thursday in Waveland Municipal Court.

Manieri was traveling with his ex-wife, his 10-year-old stepson and his 5-year-old daughter, authorities said. They had three-day passes to Disney World, but Manieri was arrested outside his hotel room before they made it to the theme park.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has said Manieri gave a detailed confession and allegedly was in possession of the priest's belongings, including his gun, car and wallet.

A public defender in Florida representing Manieri has said he's prohibited from commenting on discussions he's had with the suspect.

During Everitt's wake Friday night, Eggleton said his message for Manieri would be, "Father Ed especially would want to forgive him, and for you to know that your life can change."

And Mary Anne Rousciano Margiotta said, "I know he made comment a few months ago that when he died he can't wait to see the face of his Jesus - and now that he's seen the face of his Jesus, I'm asking him to please take care of us."