ST. PAUL, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A St. Paul man, Nathan Wondra, 32, has been charged with second-degree murder after reportedly strangling a 76-year-old priest, Lawrence Johnson, along Interstate 94. Wondra called 911 around 12:40 p.m. Thursday, claiming he was having a psychotic break and had “choked out” Johnson, who was taking him to Regions Hospital for a mental health evaluation.
According to the criminal complaint, Wondra said voices in his head instructed him to kill Johnson to save humanity. When police arrived at the scene, they found Wondra in the passenger seat of a parked vehicle with Johnson unresponsive in the driver’s seat. Medics attempted to revive Johnson, but he was pronounced dead at Regions Hospital at 1:35 p.m.
Wondra, who had blood on his wrist and shirt, was taken into custody. He told police that he had been experiencing visions and hearing voices for five days. Wondra explained that he had asked Johnson to pull over before strangling him with both hands and later with his arm in a headlock.
Johnson, ordained in 1975 and retired since 2009, had been assisting Wondra out of goodwill. Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis expressed his condolences and urged prayers for Johnson.
Wondra’s father stated that his son lived with him and had not exhibited any prior mental health issues. Wondra was arraigned in Ramsey County District Court, where his bail was set at $2 million. His hearing is scheduled for Monday. Court records show Wondra has no prior criminal cases or civil commitments for mental illness.