Judge Refuses Bail for Man Held in Stabbing Death of Maryland Priest

A homeless tree trimmer accused of first-degree murder in the June 8 stabbing death of a priest was ordered held without bond Monday.

District Judge Thomas L. Craven ruled that Robert Paul Lucas, 25, represents a flight risk and a threat to society in refusing to set bond for his release, pending the outcome of a July 14 detention hearing in Maryland Circuit Court.

Msgr. Thomas M. Wells’ body was found in the second-floor bedroom of the rectory of Mother Seton Roman Catholic Church in Germantown, Md. Investigators said the house was ransacked during a burglary that became an armed robbery.

“The monsignor died of multiple stab wounds,” Deputy Maryland State’s Atty. Katherine Winfree said during a brief hearing.

Lucas was arrested early Saturday behind a Clarksburg tree-trimming business where he reportedly had been living in his van.

“There were items recovered from Mr. Lucas’ van that were taken from the rectory,” Winfree said.

Maryland State’s Atty. Douglas F. Gansler said he will consult with church leaders, parish members and Wells’ family before deciding whether to seek capital punishment in the case.