WILLIAM Nicholas Abraham was found beaten to death with horrific injuries covered in a tarp on the side of a Louisiana highway.
Here’s everything we know about the therapist and former Catholic priest, as well as the ongoing investigation into his murder.
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Who was William Nicholas Abraham?
William Nicholas “Nick” Abraham was a 69-year-old therapist and a well-known figure in the Baton Rouge community.
He was a licensed professional counselor and life coach, often referred to as “Dr Nick”.
According to his website, Abraham held a Ph.D. and described himself as a motivational speaker, recording artist, author, teacher and trailblazer.
His expertise included treating substance abuse, anxiety and depression, with particular focus on the LGBTQI+ community.
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Abraham served as a Catholic priest for 14 years in Baton Rouge before working as a therapist.
He also regularly appeared on segments for a local news station to provide advice on dealing with mental health issues.
Past accusations
In 2015, Abraham faced accusations of groping an 11-year-old during a counseling session.
The charges were ultimately dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker said investigators are aware of the prior arrest.
Discovery of his body
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Abraham’s body was discovered in a shocking and gruesome manner.
A passerby noticed a suspicious rolled-up tarp on the side of Highway 51 between Fluker and the Village of Tangipahoa in Louisiana.
Authorities found Abraham’s body inside the tarp with bruises covering his head, shoulders and neck, according to Sheriff Gerald Sticker, who described it as “a very violent and physical attack”.
He made a mark on people’s lives and helped them be better people. We’re all blinded by it, but we’ll get answers
Joseph Abraham
Abraham died due to blunt force trauma.
Circumstances surrounding his death
Investigators believe that Abraham was killed on the night of Saturday, September 28, 2024.
His body was then wrapped in the tarp and dumped along Highway 51.
The location where the body was found is a rural area with few houses and businesses nearby, suggesting that the spot may have been chosen for its lack of visibility.
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A search of Abraham’s residence in Baton Rouge revealed no evidence of a violent crime, leading investigators to believe that the murder likely occurred at a different location.
Connection to Mr Prada
The investigation took a turn when Abraham’s stolen vehicle was recovered on the afternoon of Monday, September 30.
According to official documentation obtained by The Sun, a Baton Rouge police officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a black Lincoln MKZ on North Sherwood Forest Boulevard.
The driver of the vehicle did not comply with the officer’s commands to exit the vehicle.
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Instead they allegedly backed the car into the police unit before speeding away through a traffic light, crashing the car and getting away from the cops.
Police released surveillance images from the Juban Crossing area of the driver and deemed him a person of interest.
He was later identified as 20-year-old Terryon Ishmael Thomas, a TikTok influencer known online as “Mr Prada”.
Thomas has been named a person of interest in the case and is wanted on charges including aggravated criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
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Family reaction
Abraham was one of eight kids, and his heartbroken siblings have opened up following his tragic death.
They remember him as a person who always wanted to help others.
Joseph Abraham told WWL TV: “He made a mark on people’s lives and helped them be better people.
“We’re all blinded by it, but we’ll get answers.”
Jarrett Ambeau, a friend of Abraham, described him as “not the kind of man that something like this would’ve happened to.”
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“I’m absolutely devastated and completely surprised that something like that could’ve happened to a man who I believe to be so tender and so gentle,” he told CBS affiliate WAFB.
Abraham’s brother Tommy said: “No one should take a life but God. No one.
“He’s the only one that can take a life and for someone to take someone else’s life, you’re a coward.”
Investigators are urging anyone with information about the crime to come forward.
Officials believe the therapist was killed on the night of Saturday, September 28, 2024.
They would like to find out what he was doing in the hours leading up to his murder.
Police searched Abraham’s home but found no sign of a struggle.