Long-haul Catholic news hounds will recall, a couple of years ago, the reopening of a decades-old murder case of a Toledo nun, whose body was discovered in a hospital chapel, mutilated and reportedly arranged in a way that gave reason to suspect Satanic-cult activity. The case came back into the spotlight when, in 2004, a Toledo priest was arrested and charged with the crime.

The Toledo Free Press reports on recent developments, and one retired law enforcement officer’s reaction:

Father Gerald Robinson was charged in 2004 with aggravated murder in the death of Pahl. His twice-delayed trial is scheduled for April 17 before Common Pleas Judge Thomas J. Osowik.

Davison said the delays are part of a strategy to "fix" the case.

"What they are doing is waiting for the interest to die until Robinson’s not the flavor of the month anymore," he said. "They are also hoping the guy dies before April so it saves everyone the embarrassment of a public trial."

Davison has dedicated part of his life to the case, which he calls "one of those that you just can’t let go."

"Sister Margaret could have been your mother or sister," he said. "Imagine that she was related to you; would you then agree to let this man off so easily?"

Davison recently spoke to Toledo Free Press after hearing prosecutors amended the indictment against Robinson, removing the words "with prior calculation and design" from the original grand jury indictment.

"The prosecutor’s office, by removing the premeditated murder stipulation, is leaving the door wide open for Robinson to take an Alford plea," he said. "He’s going to walk. Whatever sentence they do give him, they are going to put him on shock probation. They are not required to make this public, either."

Also, Toledo Blade religion editor David Yonke, who is a good reporter, is writing a book on the case – and is keeping mum on its content.