Future priest hospitalized, shot after volunteering to feed the homeless

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Police say a future priest was shot after volunteering to serve the homeless in Milwaukee.

38-year-old Simon Muema is a first-year Salvatorian candidate who will eventually join the Seminary to become a priest. He had volunteered at a downtown Milwaukee meal program on Sunday, November 30th before he was shot.

The Salvatorians have confirmed for FOX6 News Muema, a Kenyan native, was shot twice and left outside his car on the street.

Police found him around 9:00 p.m. in the 2000 block of N. 39th Street -- bleeding from gunshot wounds.

A source tells FOX6 News Muema had been volunteering at the St. Ben's Community Meal Program when one of the homeless he was serving asked him for a ride.

We're told a bullet damaged some of Muema's internal organs, including his stomach, spleen, pancreas and liver.

Father Joseph Rodrigues with the Salvatorians says the Salvatorian community is shocked. He says Muema's spleen had to be removed.

A second bullet hit Muema's femur.

Father Rodrigues says he's visited Muema in the hospital, saying he's recovering slowly, and appears stable at this time.

"Our knowledge of the situation is limited and still under investigation. We ask that people please keep Simon in their prayers," Father Rodrigues said in a statement to FOX6 News.

Police tell FOX6 News they are investigating this incident, and no one is in custody.

Muema attends Cardinal Stritch University.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.