A man who became a catalyst for the US Catholic Church’s response to clergy abuse after testifying at age 11 that he was raped by his priest has been killed at the age of 50. Scott Anthony Gastal’s later life was marked by legal battles after enduring child sexual abuse at the hands of notorious clergy predator Gilbert Gauthe.

Gastal’s case was a crucial turning point in the exposure of the widespread issue of clergy sexual abuse. His family had declined a settlement and sued the diocese, ultimately winning $1m. The scandal surrounding Gauthe’s abuse had far-reaching effects, leading to numerous other priests being accused of child molestation across the country and contributing to the bankruptcy of several church institutions due to lawsuit settlements.

After his abuse was made public in the 1980s, Gastal contended with extreme post-traumatic stress and insomnia that affected his ability to work. He was found severely beaten in a motel parking lot in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and died nine days later from head injuries. A 28-year-old man named Reese Iles Chaumont has been arrested in connection with the crime and faces a count of second-degree murder.

Gastal’s death has prompted intense mourning within the community of clergy abuse survivors and advocates. Many are expressing their grief and emphasizing the tragic nature of his violent killing after having survived such trauma in his youth. Some also argue that if not for the abuse by Gauthe, Gastal would still be alive.

Neither Gauthe nor the Lafayette diocese has responded to requests for comment.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/14/church-abuse-survivor-louisiana-killed