Missing Mexican priest found dead

A Roman Catholic diocese in northern Mexico says a priest missing since Jan. 3 has been found dead.

The Saltillo Diocese in Coahuila state said in a statement Thursday that authorities informed them the body of Rev. Joaquín Hernández Sifuentes had been found. No other details were included.

The state prosecutors' office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Hernández was supposed to take a short vacation beginning Jan. 3. But a close friend was unable to reach him by phone that day. Early that same morning, a neighbor saw two young men take Hernández's car, but did not see the priest with them.

The friend went to the priest's residence at the church and found his room a mess. Later he found the priest's packed suitcase.