Nun murdered FBI ON CASE

    Sister Marguerite Bartz was found dead in her convent on Sunday, Nov. 1. The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The body of Sister Marguerite, 64, a Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, headquartered in Bensalem, Penn., was found in her St. Berard Convent located in Navajo.

    According to the FBI, some time between Halloween night and Sunday morning, Sister Marguerite was murdered. When she failed to show up for Mass on Sunday, a colleague went to check on her and found her body. She had at one time served at St. Joseph's in Laguna.

    Authorities are trying to locate a beige 2005 Honda CR-V with New Jersey license plate NF24821. The FBI is reporting that the vehicle was in Sister Marguerite's possession and is now missing. In information released today, the FBI also said that they would like to talk to anyone who spoke with Sister Marguerite on Halloween night or anyone who believes they may have information related to the investigation. The subject(s) involved should be considered armed and dangerous. Persons with information are asked to call the FBI at 1-505-889-1300.

    She was born in Plymouth, Wis., in 1945. She entered the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in 1966 from Beaumont, Texas, and professed final vows in 1974.

    Over the course of 40-plus years, Sister Marguerite was missioned in Dorchester, Mass.; Lawtell, La.; Guadalupe Indian Mission in Peña Blanca; Saint Joseph in Laguna; Saint Catherine Indian School in Santa Fe and - since 1999 - Saint Berard's in Navajo.

    The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament is a religious order founded 118 years ago by Saint Katherine Drexel. There are currently 16 Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament who are presently ministering in the Diocese of Gallup.

    Funeral plans are pending and will be announced at a later date.