As a parting gesture, his assailant had dropped a dresser drawer on his face. A week later, investigators received a tip that Lucas was linked to the slaying. They trailed him for 24 hours and, according to charging documents, matched a distinctive bootprint found at the scene with boots he was wearing. There was also DNA evidence left behind in the rectory that prosecutors say traced to Lucas, plus several of Wells's personal items that police found in Lucas's van upon his arrest June 17. He gave a lengthy statement admitting responsibility for the priest's death, police announced.
Attorneys expect the trial to last about two weeks.
Should it go longer, it would intersect with the first anniversary of Wells's death. That would be cruel coincidence for his parish and family, who want to observe the day with memories of his life. At Sacred Heart church in Bowie, his first parish and the church where his youngest sister works and worships, someone undoubtedly will put fresh flowers on his grave. A simple white wooden cross still marks it. Several days ago, it was decorated by a small planter of a golfing bear, club in hand, and two real golf balls.