The death of a beloved Roman Catholic priest in California has been ruled a homicide, the county coroner said Thursday.

The Rev. Eric Freed, 56, was found dead Wednesday in his church's rectory, spurring a murder investigation and leaving those who knew him in disbelief.

Police on Thursday named a suspect, Gary Lee Bullock, and announced that an arrest warrant for him has been issued. Authorities are looking for Bullock and for Freed's vehicle, a 2010 Nissan Altima.