Franciscan friar accused of sex abuse kills self

A Franciscan friar accused of sexually abusing dozens of boys in at least three states has committed suicide, reports the Pittsburg Post Gazette. 

Stephen P. Baker allegedly abused at least 25 boys while he taught at Bishop McCort Catholic High School in Johnstown, PA in the 1990s, according to the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat.

A spokesman for the monastery issued a statement Saturday confirming the Friar's death. 

“We regret to announce that Brother Stephen Baker died this morning,” said Father Patrick Quinn, TOR, minister provincial. “The matter is under investigation by the authorities.”

Associated Press confirmed that an autopsy by the Blair County coroner shows that 62-year-old Baker died of self-inflicted wounds. Blair Township police Chief Roger White declined to say how Baker died. 

White said that police were called to the St. Bernardine Monastery Saturday morning after another resident had found Baker not breathing, reports AP. 

Baker was included in a legal settlement last week with 11 men who claimed Baker sexually abused them at an Ohio school thirty years ago reports AP. Another school in Pennsylvania said it has also received accusations of abuse against Baker.