Crews search on foot, ATVs for missing priest near Baldwin

Officers on ATVs are combing an area on Jacksonville's Westside in the search for a missing priest.

Officers are asking people and business owners in the I-10 and Beaver Street corridor between Baldwin and I-295 to check their property and surveillance footage for signs of Father Rene Robert.

Officers began a large-scale search for the St. Johns County priest Saturday morning.

He was last seen April 10 at 1 p.m.

Officers are asking property owners and residents to check their property for disturbed ground of unusual smells, especially in wooded area and around bodies of water.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is also asking anyone with surveillance cameras to look for suspicious activity or signs of a 2012 blue Toyota Corolla in the late evening hours of April 10.

The prime suspect in Robert's disappearance is 28-year old Steven Murray. He was arrested in South Carolina on Wednesday.

He was extradited back to St. Johns County. St. Johns County investigators said he is talking to them.

Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson said what he’s telling them likely helped narrow down the search area.

“They obviously have information,” said Carson. “Perhaps not just from the alleged assailant, but also from his cell phone, and the priest’s cell phone.”

Another critical piece of evidence in the case is Robert’s Blue Toyota Corolla, which Murray abandoned in Aiken, South Carolina.

Multiple firearms including an assault rifle were found inside.

Carson says while the car is the most important piece of evidence for investigators…Murray’s words will lead them to answers faster.

“They’re trying to be-friend him, get him to respond in a positive way to the investigators to provide information,” said Carson.

Anyone with information about Robert's whereabouts is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.

To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000 contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

Anyone with information about Robert's whereabouts is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.

To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000 contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

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