No jail time for woman who stabbed priest outside confessional

September 23, 2009

A woman who stabbed a Florida priest in April as he stepped out of the confessional has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Josephine Gatchell, who says she is “horribly ashamed at myself,” will be committed to a mental facility. An assistant state attorney said that the stabbing victim, Father Michael Massaro, “is very Christlike and very forgiving. He is most concerned about Mrs. Gatchell’s safety.”

 

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Further information:

• Woman who stabbed priest was insane, Treasure Coast judge rules (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
• Florida priest stabbed in confessional (CWN, Apr 28)