Reehahlio Carroll, 19, was charged with "the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought," according to federal court documents.
He also was charged in Navajo Nation court with the unauthorized use of car that belonged to the victim, according to Navajo police Capt. Ivan Tsosie, the Associated Press reported.
"As advocates for justice, we are relieved that law enforcement has apprehended and charged a suspect in this case. ... There is a sense of grief in the Catholic community not just for the tragic loss of our sister, but also the gift she was to the people she so faithfully served," the Diocese of Gallup said in a prepared statement.
The cause of Sister Marguerite Bartz's death will not be released until possibly Monday, when the affidavit is filed, said Darrin Jones, FBI spokesman.
Bartz's body was found Sunday in a double-wide mobile home at St. Berard Catholic Church, where she spent 10 years in service. It is not known if Carroll was a member of the church, said Lee Lamb, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Gallup.
St. Berard is a small parish, according to the Rev. Gil Mangampo, of Sacred Heart Church in Farmington. He lived there for three months several years ago while in the seminary. "It was a very small town, and people don't say Hi' to you when they see you on the streets," he said.
A motive for the murder was not stated, but Jones confirmed a preliminary report from the Office of the Medical Examiner that left investigators with "no evidence which leads us to believe that Sister Bartz sustained any sexual assault, or that she was targeted because of her vocation."
There are some in the religious community, however, who are left with an uneasy feeling. "It's just really a tragedy. It really does shake you," said the Rev. Tim Farrell, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Farmington.
The church will suspend all Saturday evening confessions in response to concerns from the homicide. "We have to be mindful of safety concerns," Farrell said. "Our concern is for our parishioners' safety as well as ours."
It is not known if Carroll acted alone in this alleged homicide. An affidavit that outlines the cause of death as well as more information about the incident should be released next week after the suspect appears before a U.S. magistrate in New Mexico Federal Court.
"Carroll remains in the custody of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety at this time pursuant to other charges," FBI Special Agent In-Charge Carol Lee said. "Early next week Carroll will be transferred from the custody of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety to the FBI."
The diocese stated it will focus on forgiveness and love as Catholics come together in prayer and support for one another. "This is the spiritual process we will undergo as we approach Sister Marguerite's funeral and burial and the days and months after, when we heal the spiritual wounds left by her death and honor her legacy."
Father Gilbert Schneider, who ministered with Sister Marguerite at St. Berard Parish said, "After all the words, tributes, and media coverage we show our appreciation of Sister Marguerite by living and sharing the gift she has been — and always will be for us."
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