Diocese of Owensboro Issues Statement about Death of David Jarboe

The Diocese of Owensboro has announced that it has completed its investigation into the death of David Jarboe, Jr.  Mr. Jarboe took his life on February 3, 2011 on the property of Blessed Mother Church in Owensboro.  Subsequent to his death there was discovered a Facebook posting in which he implied that he may have been a victim of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, perhaps at the hands of a priest. 

 The Diocesan Review Board, a 13 member group formed in 2002 as mandated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop in their Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth, recommended to Bishop William Medley  an independent investigation be initiated into questions raised by the Facebook posting. Members of the Review Board include lay psychologists, educators, law enforcement personnel, social workers, a practicing attorney, an Episcopalian priest, a Religious sister and a canon lawyer priest.  Ms. Teresa Henry, who chairs the Review Board, works with juveniles, has a master’s degree in counseling, and is certified as an alcohol and drug counselor.

 A retired Kentucky State Police detective conducted the investigation on behalf of the diocese and interviewed numerous members of Mr. Jarboe’s family and friends over hundreds of hours.  He reported his findings to the Review Board in April, but the Review Board elected to withhold their own conclusions pending any further findings from either the Owensboro Police Department or the Daviess County Commonwealth’s Attorney, to assure no interference in their investigations. The Diocese has cooperated fully with both the Owensboro Police Department and the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.  Owensboro Police Department Chief Glenn Skeens said, according to the Messenger Inquirer, “The investigation is closed unless further information is obtained.”

The Diocesan Review Board concluded that it could not substantiate that David Jarboe, Jr. had been a victim of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.  Mr. Jarboe had spoken of issues from his youth with friends and others, but consistently declined to allege that he had been sexually abused within the Church.

Bishop Medley stated: “The tragedy of David’s death continues to impact those who loved him most.  As is so often the case with suicide, more questions are left unanswered than resolved.   The Daviess County grand jury, as reported by the local press, suggests that law enforcement investigations could not substantiate that any sexual abuse had occurred either.   Obviously, if new information comes to light, we will respond by continuing and extending our own inquiry.”

Bishop Medley further stated: “Our Catholic Church community is committed to addressing any questions or concerns about the sexual abuse of children and youth past and present.  We continue our Safe Environment programs which require all priests, lay ministers and volunteers to participate in training to assure the protection of children and youth.  We will respond whenever and however we can to be instruments of healing for any who have suffered.” 

 He concluded, “In the end, we continue to extend our compassion and prayer to David Jarboe, Jr.’s family and friends.”