In life, the law never quite caught up with the Rev. Walter Benz. But in death, say Benz's fellow priests and parishioners, it is impossible to escape judgment.
Benz, 72, died in a nursing home Friday night, one month after authorities decided he was too sick to be arraigned. He was accused of stealing $1.3 million from the collection baskets at two Roman Catholic churches and using the money for gambling trips with a church secretary.Benz, who had lingered in a coma, suffered from leukemia and most recently contracted a brain virus, had confessed to police and another priest, according to an affidavit.
"He was too far gone," said parishioner Beverly Kohan. "I feel sorry for him. . . . He's got bigger people than just us he'll be meeting."
Police revealed the scandal last month after Benz allegedly admitted stealing $1,000 a week for 20 years at two suburban churches - Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament and St. Mary of the Assumption church.