The Associated Press

PULASKI, Wis. - An Ohio priest shot to death and burned in his church rectory was buried Monday in this tiny community where his religious career began - the same town where the man charged in his death started training to become a Franciscan brother.

A funeral Mass was held at Assumption BVM (Blessed Virgin Mary) Church for the Rev. William Gulas of St. Stanislaus Church in Cleveland.

His burial followed at Provincial Cemetery outside the church's friary.

Police said Father Gulas, 68, was shot in the chest Dec. 7 by Daniel Montgomery, a friar in training whom he supervised at the Cleveland church. Prosecutors have accused Mr. Montgomery of setting fire to the rectory to cover his tracks.

Mr. Montgomery called 911 to report the fire, spoke with reporters about the blaze, consoled parishioners and distributed communion at Mass the next morning, authorities said.

He was arrested Dec. 9, and police said he admitted to killing Father Gulas.

He has pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges.