Funeral set Monday for slain Covington priest Otis Young, Aymond will lead service

COVINGTON, La. (WVUE) - A funeral Mass for slain Covington retired priest Otis Young has been scheduled for Dec. 5, the Archdiocese of New Orleans announced Wednesday (Nov. 30).

Archbishop Gregory Aymond will be the celebrant for the noon service at St. Peter Catholic Church. Visitation will be at the same church from 9 a.m.-noon.

Young, 71, was the first confirmed victim of a horrific double homicide discovered early Monday. St. Tammany Parish authorities said Young and a second victim were beaten and stabbed to death before their bodies were burned beyond recognition.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond tells Fox 8 that he taught Young at seminary, adding, “The week has been very, very difficult without a doubt. Certainly, the people of Covington and St Peter parish are still in shock, total shock, as to what has happened to Father Young and the other victim.”

That other victim is believed to be Ruth Prats, a longtime church assistant, who was reported missing, along with Father Young, just hours before two burned bodies were found behind a Covington business.

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Convicted rapist Antonio Tyson, recently freed after serving three decades with the state’s Dept. of Corrections, has been booked with two counts of first-degree murder and other charges in connection with the killings.

Based on DNA results, St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston told Fox 8 on Tuesday, the second victim’s identity should be confirmed by the end of the week. Longtime St. Peter Church associate Ruth Prats remains missing.

“The horror of the events that have unfolded here in Covington is beyond shocking,” Aymond said. “The pain, sadness, and disbelief that something like this could happen will stay with us, but particularly those who are most directly affected, for a very long time.”

“Today, as we await confirmation of the second victim, I offer my prayers for both victims of this heinous crime. We prayerfully remember Father Otis, a beloved pastor who touched the lives of so many with his faith, warmth and pastoral heart. This is a loss for our church and for the entire community.”

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