Former Texas priest guilty of hiring hit man to plot murder of sex accuser

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Ex-priest Accused Of Plotting Teen Accuser's Death

Former Texas priest John Fiala found guilty of plotting the murder of man who accused him of sexual abuse

/ AP

(CBS/AP) DALLAS, Texas - A Dallas County jury found a former Roman Catholic priest guilty of hiring a hit man to kill the man who accused him of sexual abuse.

The jury of three men and nine women returned its verdict on John M. Fiala after a few hours' deliberation Thursday afternoon, The Dallas Morning News reported. Testimony began in the penalty phase and Fiala could be sentenced to up to life in prison for solicitation of capital murder.

Prosecutors said Fiala tried to hire a neighbor's brother to kill his accuser. The alleged victim accused Fiala of abusing him in 2008, when he was 16 years old and Fiala was the priest at a rural West Texas parish.

More on Crimesider
Nov. 23, 2010 - Ex-Priest John Fiala Plotted Murder of Boy He Sexually Abused, Say Cops

36 Comments +

Add a Comment

See all 36 Comments


by Donzi38ZR May 21, 2012 3:01 PM EDT: SIGNING: Well.. "Where moving on up"!!!!; Reply to this comment


by cntrygirl3 May 21, 2012 11:26 AM EDT: And the Vatican is investigating Nuns and Girl Scouts.; Reply to this comment


by SugarChris May 21, 2012 10:00 AM EDT: Let's see, I'm a homosexual pedophile, and I have the moral fiber necessary to hire a hitman and abdicate murder.... I know, I'd make a GREAT PRIEST!

Just a glimpse into this freaks mind when he was choosing a profession.; Reply to this comment


by waynenipper May 21, 2012 9:55 AM EDT: If you want my take on the cult of the Catholic Church, here it is:

The Catholic Church is a conspicuously hypocritical, medieval, morally corrupt, covetous, sanctimonious institution, complicit in abhorrent criminal activities involving protecting and not exposing pedophile priests. Its survival over the centuries has continued through the exploitation of human frailties, fear, and the promise of eternal salvation for those whose ignorance and/or innocence is such as to blind them to such deceit.

To quote the Greek philosopher Plato ... "Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil." That is the foundation on which this church was built and has moved on over the millennia with its insidious ambitions into the lives of so many unfortunates. Widespread ignorance in our societies and the unquestioning acceptance of religious authority blinds people to the truth ... that is how this church survives.

When the Vatican, the very 'root' of the Catholic Church, is involved in forgoing justice for the sake of reputation, is not the end of this institution near ... unfortunately not, for man is, for the most part, not a clear thinking, rational animal at all times ... there will always be blind followers who will keep this church alive and allow this institution to parasitize more innocents.; Reply to this comment


by waynenipper May 21, 2012 9:23 AM EDT: The Catholic Church is complicit in abhorrent criminal activities involving protecting and not exposing pedophile priests. This, and previous Popes and so many of their 'priestly flock' are clearly guilty of both obstruction of justice and aiding/abetting a crime, at the very least, and/or the repugnant abuse of minors, and should be held accountable to the laws of the land. Their secrecy and lies to avoid prosecution are pathetic attempts to maintain the century's old 'status quo'. Enough is enough ... get on with it ... arrests and charges should ensue. Freedom is a luxury that should not be afforded to those who have perpetrated such evil while masquerading as pious souls.

When the 'health and wellbeing' of the Catholic Church and its administrators takes precedent over the physical and emotional health of its child victims of abuse, it is clear this church boarders on moral bankruptcy. Centuries have passed with no correction to its 'modus operandi' leading to the ruination of countless lives. The time has come for retribution.

Hopefully, Karma and/or the judicial courts will deal with those who purvey(ed) their deceitful, self-righteous religious dogma, while simultaneously preying upon the naivete of adults, and the innocence and trust of the most vulnerable in our society ... children.; Reply to this comment


by TwinkiToes May 21, 2012 8:07 AM EDT: It's because of vile monsters like this turd-burger-to-be, that has put me right of the Catholic faith; I seriously feel so sorry for followers. They're constantly reminded of the heinous acts their "leaders" get up to. It's one non-stop atrocity after another. History tells us this happened before ... it's happening now ... and it'll happen again. Sad.

I'm rather inclined to feel this faith serves as a cult to some of its members, nowadays. Where they can get away with some diabolical crimes behind the cloth of goodness. Heaven knows how much was hidden ... perhaps we only have the tip of the iceberg. Yikes.

Just doesn't stop ...; Reply to this comment


by waynenipper May 21, 2012 8:02 AM EDT: What's going on here !!! Normally he would now be in the Vatican under their protection ... someone slipped up.; Reply to this comment


by amerilatino May 21, 2012 7:59 AM EDT: And you're all surprised??? Haven't any of you heard of the Inquisition or the Native American genocide enabled by the Catholic Church during the Spanish conquest, in the name of soul-saving??? How about the Jim Crow why-bluebirds-and-robins-don't-mingle teachings in the Baptist schools of the Deep South? I was born into a devout Catholic family, and when I learned of the legacy of most "Christian" churches, I turned my back on organized religion for good. Nothing but a smoke-screen refuge for opportunistic scoundrels with subconscious guilt and fear-of-payback issues they want to get rid of.; Reply to this comment

by lillyhorton May 20, 2012 9:15 PM EDT

Molly? Chaufere? Where are your comments defending the Catholic church as you did under the earthquake that hit Italy? I don't care how many charities Catholics give to when this is the type of crap I read about Them. I am reading about another roach on the counter and I have been told there is probably a colony in the wall.

Reply to this comment


by AnnieDanny May 21, 2012 3:50 AM EDT: There are real and fake in every religion, every organization, everywhere. This is an example of human failings. Even SUB-human, IMO, because this guy is very disgusting. But you can't pin one man's sins on everybody else he associated with. That's not even reasonable or logical.


by dwaynedaughtry May 20, 2012 7:27 PM EDT: this story might be a wake-up call for those accused of sex crimes. it is sad for any person to resort to murder for hire crimes. However this may be just the beginning of future crimes to come when one is accused of sex related crimes.

To be honest our nation must place a statute of limitations on certain crimes. Otherwise anyone can be accused of a crime 30 or more years after the fact. Also with the national sex offender registry looming over any accused may statistically increase murder or murder for hire rates.

I would suggest that instead of criminal charges that civil charges after statute of limitations have passed.I strongly fear that harm of accusers will rise.; Reply to this comment