Suspect identified in killing of priests in Veracruz

Authorities in Mexico's Gulf coast state of Veracruz say they have identified a suspect in the killing of two priests.

The state prosecutors' office said late Monday it hopes to file a case soon, but didn't say whether the suspect was in custody or release the suspect's name.

The two priests were found dead Monday, hours after being abducted in the Veracruz city of Poza Rica.

The Catholic Media Center says 28 priests have been killed in Mexico since 2006, not counting this week's slayings. It says Veracruz, Guerrero and Mexico states are the most dangerous.

The U.S. State Department wrote in its 2015 International Religious Freedom report that priests in Mexico are "victims of extortion attempts, death threats, and intimidation by organized criminal groups."