By Joe Winter
Catholic Herald correspondent

Hearing finds priest probably killed funeral director, intern

HUDSON -- Parishioners are still struggling with their emotions after a John Doe hearing found probable cause that Fr. Ryan Erickson, who was then serving at St. Patrick Parish in Hudson, killed two funeral home employees in 2002.

After being questioned by police about the deaths, Erickson hanged himself last December, at the parish to which he had been transferred, St. Mary of the Seven Dolors, in Hurley.

Many parishioners say they are still coming to grips with how a priest could commit such a crime ­- the murders of funeral home director Dan O'Connell and intern James Ellingson of Barron -- then take his own life.

"I conclude that Ryan Erickson probably committed the crimes in question," said Judge Eric Lundell. Although acknowledging the evidence is circumstantial, he said it was very strong. "On a scale of one to 10, I would consider it a 10." Hudson police say the investigation is considered closed.

Crucial evidence was provided by Russell Lundgren, deacon at the Hurley parish, who testified that Erickson told him, "I done it, and they are going to catch me." Lundgren testified that Erickson never made eye contact during that conversation, and the deacon said he prayed those comments weren't true.

The testimony at the hearing and police work revealed that Erickson -- while revered by some for his homilies and his work with children -- possessed pornography that included minor boys and homosexual activity, drank too much alcohol, often possessed firearms and abused animals when he was young.

Documents released after the hearing said a police search of Erickson's computer in Hurley revealed pornography, and one of the files had 40 images of it and was labeled "Holy Mass/Prayers."

Erickson also allegedly molested one teenage boy on about 10 occasions, after getting him drunk with alcohol and playing drinking games. Another boy alleges that Erickson was "grooming" him for another sexual assault, which did not occur because the boy severed the relationship. Both instances occurred at the St. Patrick's rectory, where Erickson invited the youths for sleepovers.

Other youths were also supplied with alcohol by Erickson, a couple of them in the presence of their parents, police records show. It wasn't the first time that Erickson had been

investigated by police for alleged improper conduct with youth, although no charges had ever been filed.

It was a separate investigation by Hudson police into alleged crimes against a youth or youths that led them to question Erickson about the murders. Police said Erickson knew too much about the crime scene and could not offer a credible accounting of his whereabouts at the time.

The murders were committed by gunshot at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home on the afternoon of Feb. 5, 2002. Testimony at the hearing made it apparent that O'Connell suspected improprieties involving Erickson and a youth, although he was not sure exactly what it involved, and planned to confront Erickson about it.

The John Doe hearing on Oct. 3 was originally planned to be held in secret in front of a judge to compel reluctant witnesses to testify. This type of hearing is allowed in only a handful of states. Shortly before the hearing occurred, however, the court decided to allow family members and a few members of the media to attend.

About two days after the hearing, another youth came forward to allege that Erickson had tried to sexually assault him.

Some parishioners and Erickson's parents, Mary and Dennis, who didn't attend the hearing, said they still believe Erickson didn't commit the crimes. Two of Erickson's supporters, Betty Caruso and Patricia German, testified at the hearing about their knowledge of Erickson's whereabouts the day of the shootings.

For several days, German had been keeping a vigil outside of the St. Croix County Government Center in Hudson, praying her rosary. She said in interviews with Twin Cities television news stations that ultimately, only God decides guilt or innocence in matters such as this.

District Attorney Eric Johnson said that Erickson's supporters may not change their minds even after the results of the investigation is made public. "But the facts speak for themselves."

Lundell said he allowed certain people into the courtroom "in the interest of openness and completeness." However, that decision wasn't made until the Friday before the hearing, when, according to Meg Jones, a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, an Associated Press representative called to say an open hearing would be more credible because its proceedings would be verifiable.

Jennie O'Connell, wife of Dan and a St. Patrick parishioner, said in testimony, that it made sense that Dan would confront Erickson directly, rather than go straight to the police. "His nature was kind and loving, and he was a wonderful friend and father. It is totally believable that he would do whatever he could to protect a child."

She said her faith had been shattered by what had happened to her family, and that it made her sick and angry that Erickson was one of the priests presiding at Dan's funeral -- during which he cried almost all the way through.

Sally Ellison, mother of one of the victims, said there is a lesson to be learned from the case. "A priest is just a human being. He is not infallible and is capable of making mistakes and sinning just like any of us."

Both families said it was too soon to talk about any civil action against the Superior diocese or St. Patrick Parish.

Hudson Police Detective Jeff Knopps said it was likely that Erickson's status as a priest initially kept their investigation from being more rigorous, and kept people from coming forward.

During his tenure with the diocese, Erickson also served at parishes in Somerset and Ladysmith.

On the day after Lundell's decision, St. Patrick Parish released a statement, part of which reads as follows:

"Our parish expresses its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of Dan O'Connell and James Ellingson. We promise our continued and fervent prayers for their deceased brothers and for them. May Christ who himself was a victim of violence be their support and strength as this news only compounds their grief and sorrow.

"Our parish offers apologies and promises of support to any children who may have been harmed by Ryan Erickson. May Christ the healer be with them and their families.

"Our parish respects the professional, deliberate and diligent efforts of the local police and legal authorities. While their conclusions bring deep wounds to our parish family, still we recognize that no healing happens without the balm of truth.

"The people of St. Patrick ask the prayers of all people of good will as we seek to address our wounds and reconcile our hurts. Together we turn our faces in this darkness to the One who is the Light of the World."

Principal Mary Piasecki of St. Patrick School said in a press release: "I believe that under Fr. (John) Parr's leadership, we as a parish family will work through this difficult time. Although the findings of the court did not address any school-based activity, we remain vigilant in our protection of children. We work to keep children safe through the use of background checks for all employees, as well as volunteers who have regular contact with children. We educate staff to recognize signs of abuse and neglect. All teachers are mandatory reporters for suspected abuse and neglect. We educate children about abuse at age appropriate levels in health and religion classes. Parents are first and best educators of children. Please talk to your children about abuse and listen to them regarding their concerns with any issues resulting from the news about Fr. Erickson.

"We will do whatever we can to address fears and concerns specific to Fr. Erickson. Mrs. (Phyllis) Koss, a former teacher, and I are available to discuss spiritual concerns with both students and parents ... We will be assessing the children's advocate at Turning Point (domestic abuse shelter) in River Falls for presentations for our students ... I am committed to the safety and education of children at every level, personally, professionally and spiritually."

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2005