In a shocking incident that has rattled the Memphis community, a man has been arrested for allegedly sending a threatening email to the choir director of St. Louis Catholic Church. The email, which included a chilling threat to “butcher people in that church with a machete,” has led to serious legal repercussions for the suspect, identified as Zachary Liberto. He now faces terrorism charges and is being held on a hefty bond of $200,100.
The alarming situation unfolded last Friday when the church’s music director, who is one of the victims, promptly forwarded the threatening email to law enforcement. According to reports from Action News 5, the email demanded a video of the complainant being slapped within 24 hours, or else Liberto would carry out his violent threats.
Investigators confirmed that the email originated from an address previously used by Liberto to communicate with the victims. Authorities indicated that Liberto is known to carry a machete, which he refers to as “chete,” adding a bizarre twist to an already disturbing narrative.
Both victims, including the church’s pastor, expressed confusion over what may have triggered such a violent outburst. They suspect that Liberto might be grappling with mental health issues, a common thread in many incidents of this nature. Earlier that same day, Liberto had a verbal confrontation with the pastor, during which he allegedly vandalized the church’s baptismal pool.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a parishioner recorded a conversation with Liberto, where he was heard saying, “I will not let people threaten and mock me all day and not do something about it. … I’ll do time about it today.” This chilling declaration has raised serious concerns about his state of mind and intentions.
Rick Ouellette, a spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, expressed relief at the swift response from law enforcement and reassured the community that the church has a robust safety and security plan in place. “The safety and security of everyone on campus is a top priority,” Ouellette stated, emphasizing that the church community is praying for all involved in this troubling incident.
St. Louis Catholic Church, a well-respected parish in Memphis, has a long history of serving its community and is home to many prominent local parishioners. The incident has sparked discussions about safety in places of worship, a topic that resonates deeply in today’s society.
As investigations continue, Liberto is expected to appear in court on Monday, facing serious charges that highlight the importance of mental health awareness and community support. The church community hopes for healing and safety as they move forward from this unsettling event.
For more insights on mental health and community safety, visit Mental Health America and The National Alliance on Mental Illness. These organizations provide valuable resources and support for those in need.